At Guardian Pharmacy of NWFL, we strive to keep our community and customers up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations impacting our industry. One important update to be aware of is in regards to House Bill 423, which will authorize advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNP) and physician assistants (PA’s) to prescribe all schedules of Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) regulated medications.
The Florida Board of Nursing initial plan will require that each ARNP or PA attend a three hour course on prescribing opioids prior to applying for a DEA license. They will also develop a formulary committee with the following objectives:
- Develop a formulary of controlled substances that an ARNP may not prescribe or may prescribe only for specific uses or in limited quantities.
- Limit the prescribing of Schedule II medications to a seven day supply.
- Place restrictions on prescribing psychiatric controlled medications to patients under 18 years of age unless the ARNP is certified as a psychiatric nurse.
We at Guardian Pharmacy of NWFL believe this will improve the access to care for Floridians, especially in the rural and possibly underserved areas of the state. This new prescribing regulation will become effective on January 1, 2017.
If you have any questions regarding the above information, you may contact The Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners on their website. If you are interested in having one of our pharmacy representatives speak onsite with your staff on this new regulation, please contact Amber Gullett, clinical care specialist and nurse account manager 850-693-6106 or by email at amber.gullett@guardianpharmacy.net.