CARNA is beginning to authorize nurse practitioners to prescribe narcotics and controlled drugs and substances. The nurse practitioner prescriber list on the ACP website now indicates NPs with this new authorization.
To beauthorized to prescribe controlled drugs and substances, Alberta NPs must:
- Complete a prescribing course recognized by CARNA.
- Complete the CARNA controlled drugs and substances jurisprudence module.
Currently, the only approved education course is Prescription and Management of Controlled Drugs and Substances offered through Athabasca University.
What can NPs prescribe?
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Narcotics |
Only nurse practitioners who have met the requirements set out by the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) have the authority to prescribe narcotics in Alberta. Please note, nurse practitioners are prohibited from prescribing methadone or buprenorphine. |
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Controlled substances |
Only nurse practitioners who have met the requirements set out by CARNA have the authority to prescribe controlled drugs in Alberta. . According to the New Classes of Practitioners Regulations, other than testosterone, nurse practitioners are prohibited from prescribing any other anabolic steroid. |
| Benzodiazepines/Other targeted substances |
Only nurse practitioners who have met the requirements set out by CARNA have the authority to prescribe benzodiazepines and targeted substances in Alberta.
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| Prescription drugs
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Nurse practitioners may prescribe drugs on the Prescription Drug List. |
