Nurse Practitioner Prescriptive Authority
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) recognizes that the scope and practice of a nurse practitioner (NP) includes prescribing. Prescribing is not a distinct act outside of or differentiated from NP practice. It is the position of AANP that NP prescriptive authority be solely regulated by state boards of nursing and in accordance with the NP role, education and certification. The authorization of NPs to prescribe legend and controlled medications, devices, health care services, durable medical equipment and other equipment and supplies is essential to providing timely, cost-effective, quality health care.