APRNs' controlled substance prescribing and readiness following Florida legislative changes

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Healthcare Policy
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• Florida legislation in 2017 expanded prescribing authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
• This expansion included Schedule II-IV drugs, significantly broadening APRN scope of practice.
• Understanding APRN utilization of this authority is crucial for evaluating healthcare access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the utilization of expanded prescriptive authority by APRNs in Florida.
• To determine if APRNs are meeting educational prerequisites for prescribing controlled substances.
• To evaluate the impact of APRN prescribing on patient access to medication.

Main Methods:

• A study was conducted two years post-legislative expansion (2019).
• Data collection focused on APRN educational attainment and prescribing practices.
• Analysis examined the application of prescriptive authority in real-world clinical settings.

Main Results:

• Florida APRNs have met the necessary educational requirements to prescribe Schedule II-IV drugs.
• APRNs are actively applying their prescriptive authority in clinical practice.
• The expanded authority has demonstrably improved patient access to necessary medications.

Conclusions:

• Florida APRNs are effectively utilizing their expanded prescribing authority.
• The legislative changes have successfully enhanced patient access to care through APRN prescribing.
• Continued monitoring of APRN prescribing practices is warranted to ensure optimal patient outcomes.