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NPs and Prescribing Controlled Substances
As of April 19th, 2017, the Ontario government approved changes to the regulations under the Nursing Act, 1991 giving NPs authority to prescribe controlled substances.
Ontario NP programs have integrated controlled substances education within their curriculum. The education covers competencies related to safe, effective and ethical prescribing, and managing clients who are treated with controlled substances.
NPs who did not have controlled substances competencies in their entry-level NP Program are required to complete Council-approved controlled substances courses in order to be authorized to prescribe controlled substances.
If an NP has not completed the required education, their profile on Find a Nurse will state: “Entitled to practice. Cannot prescribe controlled substances until specialized education is completed.”
Resources
- Approved controlled substances education for Nurse Practitioners
- Q&As: General
- Q&As: Regulations and by-law changes
- Q&As: Controlled substances education requirement
- Q&As: Methadone and diacetylmorphine
- Controlled substances - Resources and References
Additional Resources:
- NP practice standard
- Ontario opioid strategy
- Canadian Joint Statement of Action to Address the Opioid Crisis
