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Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Medication?

Yasmine Seidu — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 18:02:37 +0000

Can nurse practitioners prescribe medication?

Well, that depends on where you live. In some states, they can't. In other states, they can. And in still others, it's up to the nurse practitioner to decide whether or not they want to prescribe medication.

This article will explore some of the legal issues surrounding nurse practitioners and their prescribing power. We'll also look at some of the reasons why nurse practitioners may or may not choose to prescribe medications, as well as some pros and cons of allowing them to do so.

Table Of Contents

Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Medication Without Physicians?

What Is the Difference Between an NP and a Doctor?

Prescriptive Authority For Nurse Practitioners

What Is Prescriptive Authority?

Who Grants And Regulates Prescriptive Authority To Nurse Practitioners?

Full practice authority

Reduced practice

Restrictive Practice

Recent Practice Authority Developments

The full-Practice Authority States, Districts, and Territories

The Partial Prescriptive Authority States, Districts, and Territories

No Prescriptive Authority States, Districts, and Territories

Benefits And Drawbacks Of Granting Prescriptive Authority To Nurse Practitioners

Benefits

Drawbacks

Which Drugs Can an NP Prescribe?

What Medications Can Nurse Practitioners Not Prescribe?

Conclusion

FAQs

Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Adderall?

Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Antibiotics?

Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Psychiatric Medication?

Can Nurse Practitioners Diagnose?

Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Antidepressants?

Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Medication Without Physicians?

Yes, nurse practitioners can prescribe medications, including narcotics and antibiotics. Nurse practitioners are health professionals who have completed a master's degree in nursing and have earned the right to practice independently as primary care providers.

If you see a nurse practitioner for treatment, she can perform most of the same functions as your regular doctor.

Nurse practitioners must meet specific requirements before they're allowed to practice independently.

For example, they must pass a national certification exam and obtain a license from the state where they work.

They also must complete an accredited graduate-level program that provides them with advanced knowledge and experience in their field of specialization.

What Is the Difference Between an NP and a Doctor?

The difference between a nurse practitioner (NP) and a doctor is that NPs are not doctors.

NP’s are registered nurses who have completed a master's degree or higher in nursing and have been certified as primary care providers by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

The term "doctor" is not used in America to refer to all medical professionals, but only those with a doctoral degree, awarded after medical school and residency completion.

NPs work under the supervision of a physician, though they can practice independently in states that allow it.

They are trained to diagnose and treat patients' illnesses, administer medications, and order diagnostic tests.

In some states, NPs are allowed to prescribe particular medicines under specific circumstances.

In addition to their advanced training, NPs must complete continuing education courses every few years to stay abreast of new developments in their field.

Prescriptive Authority For Nurse Practitioners

In the past, nurses were only allowed to prescribe medications under certain conditions. The main reason for this was the fact that they did not have the proper education and training to perform such a task.

However, this has changed over time, and now more and more nurses are gaining prescriptive authority in order to perform their duties as nurse practitioners.

What Is Prescriptive Authority?

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), Prescription authority for nurses is defined as the ability for nurses to prescribe medication for their patients without the help of another medical professional.

According to the study, this ability allows them to treat their patients with medications that would otherwise be controlled substances and give them direct control over what drugs are prescribed to them.

This means that they can write these prescriptions without having to consult with an MD or another type of doctor first before doing so.

Who Grants And Regulates Prescriptive Authority To Nurse Practitioners?

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) provides information on state regulations regarding prescriptive authority for nurse practitioners and links to state boards of nursing websites.

There are three different categories of nurse practitioner prescriptive authority:

Full practice authority

This is the most common type of nurse practitioner prescriptive authority. The nurse practitioner can prescribe any drug in any dose, schedule, and route that is not controlled.

Nurse practitioners with full practice authority can also prescribe controlled substances only during their practice.

Reduced practice

A reduced practice state allows NPs to prescribe but not without direct physician oversight. Under this model, an NP must practice within specific guidelines set by their licensing board, such as having a collaborative agreement with a physician for oversight.

The state may also require an NP to be supervised in some way by a physician or other licensed healthcare provider.

Restrictive Practice

In restrictive practice states, a physician supervises a nurse practitioner's prescription authority.

In these states, the physician must be physically present when the nurse practitioner writes or delivers a prescription or makes a referral to another provider.

In some cases, the supervising physician must approve the treatment plan before the nurse practitioner implements it.

Recent Practice Authority Developments

The recent influenza pandemic has forced many states to loosen restrictions on nurse practitioners (NPs) practicing without physician supervision.

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) reports that the federal government and most states' loosened restrictions are only temporary.

Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, and Wisconsin temporarily suspended all restrictions on NPs. Additional 14 states waived some requirements of practice agreements, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, and Oregon.

In addition to these changes for NPs during this pandemic season, the AANP notes that some states have taken additional steps to expand NP' scope of practice in areas such as prescribing controlled substances and hospital privileges for delivery of care services within hospitals or surgical centers.

The full-Practice Authority States, Districts, and Territories

The AANP has identified 25 states and the District of Columbia as full-practice authority states.

The term "full practice authority" refers to the ability of nurse practitioners to provide primary care to patients without any physician oversight.

This means that in these states, NPs can diagnose and treat illness, prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests and interpret test results.

Source: AANP

The Partial Prescriptive Authority States, Districts, and Territories

The 14 states under reduced practice are listed below. The Code of Federal Regulations defines the following as partial prescriptive authority states:

Source: AANP

No Prescriptive Authority States, Districts, and Territories

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, only 11 states remain under restrictive practice. AANP recently passed California Senate bill 890 due to the pandemic to allow nurse practitioners to practice independently by 2023.

Some of these states are:

Source: AANP

Benefits And Drawbacks Of Granting Prescriptive Authority To Nurse Practitioners

Benefits

The benefits of granting prescriptive authority to nurse practitioners (NPs) are numerous. NPs meet all the requirements for prescribing controlled substances and medications, with the exception of completing a one-time course on prescribing controlled substances.

1. Cost-Savings

In 2014, an estimated $6 billion in taxpayer dollars were wasted due to low-value prescriptions written by physicians and issued by pharmacists.

By allowing NPs to prescribe medications, we can decrease costs by reducing unnecessary spending on unnecessary prescriptions.

2. Increased Accessibility

In many rural areas, there is a shortage of primary care providers, especially for women's health issues like prenatal care and postpartum mental health issues.

The ability of NPs to prescribe medications would allow them to provide more accessible care in these areas where it is needed most.

3. Improved Access To Care

Patients who see an NP instead of a physician often have greater access to care because fewer barriers exist between them and their providers. For example, many people prefer not to see a doctor unless they have an acute illness or injury.

However, they want someone who can address their everyday health concerns and help them prevent future problems.

With more NPs providing care in more places, patients can get the care they need without having to wait for an appointment with their physician or travel long distances for specialty care.

4. Alternate Care Provider In The Hospital Setting

Nurse practitioners can act as alternate care providers in the hospital setting, meaning they can treat patients under the supervision of a physician.

This is beneficial because it helps reduce wait times for patients who need immediate care, and it reduces the number of patients that need to be seen by doctors.

This also increases efficiency in hospitals, especially during busy times.

Drawbacks

Prescription authority is the ability of an advanced practice nurse to prescribe medications, sign orders and provide other services that are considered within their scope of practice.

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners has been advocating for state legislation to grant prescriptive authority to nurse practitioners since 2000.

The issue is currently being debated in many states as a way to improve patient care access and reduce costs by increasing the supply of primary care providers.

However, there are several drawbacks to granting prescription authority to nurse practitioners, including:

Increased liability risk for medical malpractice claims
Increased risk of drug interactions from prescribing medications without physician oversight
Potential harm to patients who may be prescribed inappropriate medications
Potential harm to patients who may be prescribed multiple medications that interact with each other negatively

Which Drugs Can an NP Prescribe?

The drugs that NPs can prescribe vary from state to state. In some states, only certain drugs may be prescribed, while all types of medications are allowed in others. For example, some states allow NPs to prescribe controlled substances, while others do not.

In most states, NPs may prescribe:

Antibiotics
Anti-hypertensives (medications used to lower blood pressure)
Analgesics (pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen)
Cardiovascular drugs (cholesterol-lowering medications and medicines used to treat high blood pressure)
Diabetics medications (insulin and oral medicines used by people with diabetes)
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen; these are often given after surgery)
Contraceptives – Birth control pills, patches, or rings (if you're over 18) that prevent pregnancy
Bronchodilators – Drugs used to open up the airways in people with asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Cholesterol medication -- statins, niacin, fibrates, bile acid sequestrants, etc.
Thyroid medication -- levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid), liothyronine sodium (Cytomel), triiodothyronine sodium (T3), or combinations of these medications

What Medications Can Nurse Practitioners Not Prescribe?

Nurse practitioners are authorized to prescribe medications in all states and provinces. However, there are some medications that nurse practitioners cannot prescribe.

The following is a list of such medications:

Controlled substances or substances that could be used to commit suicide (e.g., narcotics)
Substances used for recreational purposes (e.g., cocaine, heroin, marijuana)
Antiretroviral therapy for the prophylaxis of HIV infection and cancer treatment
Coca leaves (for medical use)
Opium (for medical use)
Anabolic steroids and their derivatives
Cancer drug treatment

Conclusion

There's no doubt that nurse practitioners have a lot to offer the medical industry. They can take some pressure off of doctors and help patients get the care they need in a timely manner while still maintaining the high level of care that people expect from their doctors.

However, it's important to remember that not all nurse practitioners are created equal. Some of them will be more qualified than others.

If you're looking for someone who is qualified and capable of prescribing medication, make sure you do your research before settling on a practitioner. If you've been asking yourself, “Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Medications?”, we hope this article answered your questions.

FAQs

Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Adderall?

Yes, nurse practitioners can prescribe Adderall. Nurse practitioners are authorized to prescribe any medication that is not limited to a specific class of drugs.

Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Antibiotics?

Yes, nurse practitioners can prescribe antibiotics to patients in need. Nurse practitioners are required to have the same qualifications as doctors, and they are able to perform a wide variety of medical services.

The only limitation is that nurse practitioners cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Psychiatric Medication?

Yes, nurse practitioners are able to prescribe psychiatric medication. They are also able to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

Can Nurse Practitioners Diagnose?

Yes, nurse practitioners are licensed to diagnose. In fact, they can diagnose and treat many illnesses, injuries, and health conditions.

Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Antidepressants?

Yes, nurse practitioners can prescribe antidepressants. They are trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

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5 Best Malpractice Insurance For Nurse Practitioners (Reviewed And Ranked)

Yasmine Seidu — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 20:08:08 +0000

Are you a nurse practitioner? You might be surprised to learn that malpractice insurance for nurse practitioners can be more complex than many other types of insurance.

Read on to learn about our 5 favorite malpractice insurance for nurse practitioners!

As a nurse practitioner, you're the first line of defense for many people, their primary care provider, therapist, and confidant.

But when something goes wrong in your practice, it's not just your patients who suffer—it's also you. That's why it's so essential to have malpractice insurance for nurse practitioners—and we've got some great options for you here!

Table Of Contents

What is Nurse Practitioners Malpractice Insurance?

Importance of Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners

5 Best Medical Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners

Nurses Service Organization (NSO)

Cost Of NSO Nurse Practitioner's Malpractice Insurance

Proliability

Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO)

CM&F Group Nurse Practitioner Malpractice Insurance

Berxi

It’s A Wrap!

FAQ’s

What state has the lowest malpractice premiums?

What are claims made vs. occurrence?

Which state has the most malpractice lawsuits?

What is the most common medical malpractice case?

We've done all the hard work of researching and comparing these policies so that you can find the best possible coverage at the best possible price. Here are our top five picks:

What is Nurse Practitioners Malpractice Insurance?

Nurse Practitioners Malpractice Insurance is a form of medical malpractice insurance that protects Nurse Practitioners (NPs) from claims of negligence. Nurse practitioners are professionals who provide primary care to patients, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, performing physical exams, and ordering laboratory tests.

The NP practicing as an independent contractor needs to have this insurance policy in place before starting her practice. All NPS must have coverage in order to be able to practice as independent contractors.

This form of insurance also protects against legal costs incurred while defending against negligence claims by patients or their families.

Importance of Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners

Malpractice insurance is necessary for any healthcare professional, but it's vital for nurse practitioners (NPS).

NPS are advanced practice nurses who can perform a variety of medical tasks. They're often the first point of contact in a healthcare setting, so they need to be able to diagnose and treat patients without the assistance of physicians or physician assistants (PAs).

In many states, NPs have the same legal authority as doctors do. This means that if an NP makes a mistake in treating a patient, the patient may have legal recourse against the NP.

Malpractice insurance protects NPs from lawsuits by providing coverage for legal costs associated with defending against claims that their care harmed their patients.

5 Best Medical Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners

NSO
Proliability
Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO)
CM&F Group
Berxi

Nurses Service Organization (NSO)

Nurses Service Organization (NSO) offers high-quality medical malpractice insurance for nurse practitioners. With an A+ rating from A.M. Best, the company provides affordable policies with comprehensive coverage.

The plans also include coverage for media liability, errors and omissions, and coverage for non-physicians who perform medical care in your offices, such as physician assistants and nurse anesthetists.

Policy Features of NSO

1. Professional Liability Coverage -- up to $1 million for each claim

NSO offers professional liability coverage for malpractice claims against nurse practitioners and other health care professionals. The policy covers bodily injury or property damage caused by malpractice during the course of employment. The coverage limit is $1 million per claim and up to $6 million annually.

2. Assault Coverage

NSO offers $25,000 in coverage for assault claims arising from both criminal acts and negligence by others. Criminal acts include sexual assault, robbery, and murder, while negligence includes assault caused by another person's reckless behavior or intentional act that results in bodily harm or death. This coverage applies even if you are not at work at the time of the incident.

3. Defense Attorney Provided

Suppose you are charged with a crime against someone else while working as a nurse or otherwise covered under NSO's plan.

In that case, NSO will provide an attorney who will represent you free of charge until the case is resolved favorably or otherwise terminated by mutual agreement between NSO and its attorney representing you (unless such representation is no longer needed).

4. Personal Injury Coverage

This policy will cover you against any damages that you incur due to an injury or an accident. This includes damages incurred due to a car accident, slip and fall, dog bites, and many other such incidents.

The policy will provide compensation for lost income during your recovery period as well as for any medical expenses that may occur during this time.

Portable Coverage

This means that even if you change jobs, your coverage will still be valid as long as you pay your premiums on time and keep up with all other requirements such as completing annual health assessments, etc.

Cost Of NSO Nurse Practitioner's Malpractice Insurance

The average cost for Nurse Practitioner (NP) NSO insurance is $106 per year.

The cost of the policy will depend on the state where you live, how many hours per week you work, and the amount of experience you have in your field. The more hours you work and the more experience you have, the lower your premium will be.

Proliability

Proliability is a nurse practitioner malpractice insurance company. Since 1949, Proliability has been helping nurse practitioners, and their practices stay protected.

Proliability offers several different types of policies that can be customized to your practice needs. They have several options for hospitals, clinics, private offices, and other locations. Their website is easy to navigate, but they also have an agent who can help you find the right policy at the right price.

Policy Features of Proliability

Professional Liability

Proliability covers your professional liability up to $1 million per occurrence/$6 million aggregate. This means the company will protect you from any financial loss arising out of medical negligence or wrongful death suits filed against you by patients or their family members.

This policy also covers any expenses incurred during the litigation process, such as attorney fees, court costs, and settlement awards.

Legal Representation

If you are ever sued for medical negligence, Proliability will provide legal representation on your behalf at no extra cost to you. The company will pay all expenses related to defending against medical malpractice claims, including expert witnesses, depositions, court filing fees, and more.

First aid Reimbursement

This coverage provides up to $10,000 for expenses related to first aid treatment required as a result of an accident involving the insured.

Sexual abuse

Provides up to $25,000 for expenses involved in defending against a medical malpractice claim involving sexual abuse committed by the nurse practitioner.

Portable Coverage

Proliability nurse practitioners and malpractice insurance policies are portable, which means that you can take your coverage with you when you move or change jobs.

Cost Of Proliability Nurse Practitioner's Malpractice Insurance

The cost of Proliability nurse practitioner malpractice insurance can vary from company to company and from state to state. The average cost of premiums for an Adult NP is $756, while the average price for a self-employed Adult NP is $908.

NPs may be eligible for a 10% discount on their premium if they are certified.

Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO)

The Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO) has provided medical malpractice insurance for nurses and other healthcare professionals since 1976. The HPSO has provided over 1 million medical professionals with protection against lawsuits, helping them focus on patient care rather than legal costs.

Its mission is to provide quality medical liability protection at an affordable price so that healthcare professionals can continue to focus on their patients and keep the cost of healthcare down for everyone.

Policy Features of HPSO

Professional Liability

The policy provides coverage for up to $1,000,000 for each claim / $3,000,000 annual aggregate for professional liability claims arising from the practice of clinical nursing. This coverage includes defense costs and any settlement or judgment paid by the insurer.

It also includes coverage for claims made against you by patients or their relatives in connection with your treatment of them while they were under your care.

License Protection

The policy will cover your medical license and provide coverage against any fines that you may be required to pay for violating state or federal laws.

Defense Costs

If you are sued for malpractice and fail to settle the case before it goes to trial, HPSO will pay for your defense costs and any legal fees associated with defending yourself against the lawsuit.

Deposition Representation

If you are called as a witness at a deposition, HPSO will cover any legal fees you incur while preparing for or attending the deposition.

Cost Of HPSO Nurse Practitioner's Malpractice Insurance

The cost for HPSO-Nurse Practitioner’s Malpractice Insurance varies from one state to another. The average cost of the insurance is $150-$200 per year. However, this figure can go up depending on your HPSO specialty.

CM&F Group Nurse Practitioner Malpractice Insurance

CM&F Group, established in 1919, is a leading medical malpractice insurance provider with over 200 professional specialties and more than 1,000 locations nationwide. They offer medical malpractice insurance for individuals, businesses and practices, students, and universities.

Their policyholders have access to our dedicated customer service professionals who work with them throughout the claims process. They offer various coverage options, including $2 million per claim, full consent to settle claims, license defense coverage, and more.

CM&F Group offers competitive rates and flexible payment plans so you can get the proper protection at an affordable price

Policy Features of CM&F Group

Professional Liability Coverage

With this coverage, you can be protected from liability claims arising from the negligence or errors in judgment of your employees. CM&F Group provides coverage up to $2 million per claim.

License Defense Coverage

If a client files a lawsuit against you, this coverage helps pay legal fees associated with the defense of your license to practice.

Sexual Misconduct Defense

Sexual misconduct claims are often difficult to defend against because they involve personal relationships between two people and often include no witnesses or other evidence that would be admissible in court. The CM&F Group policy offers coverage for sexual misconduct claims made against you by current or former patients or clients.

HIPAA Defense Coverage

CM&F Group offers HIPAA defense coverage to protect against claims alleging violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Telemedicine Coverage

This feature covers telemedicine services performed by a healthcare provider for the insured patient. It includes reimbursement for litigation expenses incurred in defending against any claim made against them relating to those services.

Cost Of CM&F Group Nurse Practitioner's Malpractice Insurance

The cost of malpractice insurance is determined by many factors: the type of medical practice you're in, where you practice, and your experience.

The average cost of malpractice insurance for a nurse practitioner is $1,300 per year. The average cost includes both employed and self-employed NPs.

Berxi

Berxi provides commercial property, casualty, healthcare professional liability, and other insurance products and services to businesses and individuals.

They are a part of Berkshire Hathaway’s National Indemnity group of insurance companies, which is the second largest insurer in the U.S.

With over 70 years in business, Berxi has built a reputation for providing digital-age ease and efficiency.

They offer customizable coverage options that are tailored to meet your needs so you can focus on what matters most: running your business.

Policy Features of Berxi

Legal defense outside the limits of liability

Your policy covers up to $1 million in damages per claim and $3 million per year. Additionally, it provides coverage for legal defense costs up to $100,000 per claim. This means that if a patient sues you or files a complaint with the state board of nursing, we'll provide legal representation at no cost to you — even if they sue for more than $1 million.

Reputation Coverage

This coverage protects against any loss suffered due to slander, libel, or similar claims that have been made against your practice. Berxi will pay out $50,000 for each claim for your reputation damage.

Licensing Board Protection Defense

The policy also includes coverage for licensing board defense. If a patient or their family member sues you, they may also file complaints against your license with the state licensing board. This type of claim could affect your ability to practice medicine in the future if it is not resolved quickly and adequately defended by an experienced attorney.

Wage Loss/Deposition Expenses

Berxi will pay the cost of up to $1,000 per day for your defense and any judgment or settlement award. Their insurance covers you for any legal fees incurred in defending your rights against any claim of medical malpractice. They will also pay the costs associated with depositions and other court appearances.

Cost Of Berxi Nurse Practitioner's Malpractice Insurance

The cost of Berxi nurse practitioner's malpractice insurance starts at around $68 per year for $1 million worth of coverage. This can vary depending on location in which you practice your profession as well as several other factors. The cost of Berxi nurse practitioner's malpractice insurance will also increase based on how many years you have been practicing your profession.

It’s A Wrap!

There you have it—the five best malpractice insurance for nurse practitioners (reviewed and ranked).

We hope this article has given you the information you need to make an informed choice about which policy is right for you. We also hope that it has inspired you to consider your own career as a nurse practitioner if you're not already in one!

FAQ’s

What state has the lowest malpractice premiums?

The state with the lowest malpractice premiums is North Dakota.

What are claims made vs. occurrence?

Claims made policies are designed to cover claims made during the policy period, regardless of when the event occurred.

For example, if you have a claims-made policy in place, and someone gets injured at your company on June 1, 2020, your insurance would cover that injury—even though you didn't buy the policy until July 1, 2020.

On the other hand, occurrence policies are designed to cover events that happen during a specific time period or date range—regardless of when the event occurs.

This means that if you buy an occurrence policy on June 1st for coverage starting on July 1st and someone gets injured at your company on June 15th (during the coverage period), it would not be covered by your insurance because it happened outside of the time frame specified in your policy.

Which state has the most malpractice lawsuits?

California, Texas, and New York are the states with the most malpractice lawsuits. California has 138,110 malpractice lawsuits; Texas has 122,197 malpractice lawsuits, and New York has 89,376 malpractice lawsuits.

What is the most common medical malpractice case?

The most common medical malpractice case is when a doctor doesn't diagnose a patient correctly. This can lead to incorrect treatment and severe injury or death.

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