I. Select one of the following case studies to address. In the subject line of your post, please identify which prompt you are responding to, for example, Choice #2 using Schedule II substances.?
There are a variety of requirements or restrictions states may impose on advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who prescribe controlled substances. In your state, discuss the role of the APRN in administering and dispensing drugs under the federal drug classification and schedules. Discuss your state requirements and?restrictions and?identify practice barriers to the nurse practitioner role including the administration of controlled substances.?
You have determined after a thorough history and examination that your patient’s injury requires treatment using a Schedule II substance. What are the policies for writing a prescription for a Schedule II CS? Can you offer the patient refills? What is the DEA policy on post-dated prescriptions for Schedule II drugs? How can you avoid tampering with prescriptions for controlled substances??This may vary by state. Make sure to research both the federal and state requirements where you practice.?
- Controlled substances are categorized using a classification system. Define the five different schedules for controlled drugs and provide examples of drugs in each schedule. Explain the reason why controlled substances need to be categorized. What are the associated controls required in your state for prescribing in each schedule??
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor responsible for creating college assignments and answers for medical college students, I understand the importance of educating future healthcare professionals on the administration and dispensing of controlled substances. In this response, I will address the first prompt and provide information on the role of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in administering and dispensing drugs under federal drug classification and schedules, as well as the requirements and restrictions in my state and the practice barriers to the nurse practitioner role.
Prompt 1:
In my state, APRNs are authorized to prescribe controlled substances under certain conditions, including collaborative agreements with physicians or other healthcare providers. The federal government categorizes controlled substances into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical value.
Schedule I drugs are considered the most dangerous and have no accepted medical use. Examples include heroin and LSD.
Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and may lead to severe physical or psychological dependence. Examples include oxycodone and fentanyl. As an APRN, if I determine that my patient’s injury requires treatment with a Schedule II substance, I must follow specific protocols and policies when writing a prescription. This includes ensuring that my prescription includes the patient’s name, drug name, strength, dosage form, quantity, and directions for use. Additionally, I must ensure that the prescription is filled within seven days of the date written, and I am not allowed to offer refills without a new prescription.
The DEA policy on post-dated prescriptions for Schedule II drugs is that it is prohibited. To avoid tampering with prescriptions for controlled substances, I must ensure that my prescription pad is stored securely and not accessible to unauthorized individuals.
In my state, there are barriers to the nurse practitioner role when it comes to administering controlled substances. These barriers include limitations on prescribing schedules III through V drugs, as well as limitations on prescribing Schedule II drugs for more than 30 days, even if I am authorized. There are also concerns with patient safety and the potential for abuse, which can lead to increased scrutiny from regulatory agencies and insurers.
Overall, as an APRN, it is essential to understand the federal and state requirements and restrictions when prescribing controlled substances to protect both patients and healthcare providers.
