Issues related to the practice of prescribing

Prescribing a drug is intended to bring about a desired beneficial change in the health of an individual and has been practiced for centuries. The historical development, controls and regulations, and trends and issues in prescribing are provided to give nurses a strong foundation for practice. In almost all states, prescriptive authority has been expanded to include advanced practice nurses. An awareness of federal and state statutes and regulations can help nurses administer drugs in a safe, effective, and timely manner.