Prescribing & DEA Roadmap

Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioner Prescriptive authority

Separate professional authority, state registration and federal DEA steps.

Last researched October 1, 2026

Showing findings with official source evidence. Check the conditions for each requirement and confirm your circumstances with the board.

Use the boxes to track your preparation. Checking an item does not verify compliance.

Who may prescribe

CRNP definition requires collaboration with a physician licensed to practice in Pennsylvania

A CRNP is a professional nurse licensed in this Commonwealth, certified by the Board in a specialty, who performs acts of medical diagnosis or prescription of medical therapeutic or corrective measures in collaboration with a physician licensed to practice in this Commonwealth.

Applies when: For the Pennsylvania CRNP license/specialty definition.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  *CRNPCertified Registered Nurse Practitioner*A professional nurse licensed in this Commonwealth who is certified by the Board in a specialty and who, while functioning in the expanded role as a professional nurse, performs acts of medical diagnosis or prescription of medical therapeutic or corrective measures in collaboration with a physician licensed to practice in this Commonwealth and in accordance with the act and this subchapter.
CRNP may collaborate only with physicians holding a current Pennsylvania license

A CRNP may collaborate only with physicians who hold a current license to practice in this Commonwealth.

Applies when: For CRNP collaboration in Pennsylvania.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  CRNP Practice. (a) A CRNP may collaborate only with physicians who hold a current license to practice in this Commonwealth.
CRNP with prescriptive authority approval may prescribe/dispense and order drugs within specialty and collaboration terms

A CRNP with prescriptive authority approval may, when acting in collaboration with a physician as set forth in a prescriptive authority collaborative agreement and within the CRNP’s specialty, prescribe and dispense drugs and give written or oral orders for drugs and other medical therapeutic or corrective measures.

Applies when: For a CRNP in Pennsylvania acting under the prescriptive authority approval provisions and within the CRNP’s specialty.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  Authority and qualifications for prescribing, dispensing and ordering drugs. (a) A CRNP with prescriptive authority approval may, when acting in collaboration with a physician as set forth in a prescriptive authority collaborative agreement and within the CRNPs specialty, prescribe and dispense drugs and give written or oral orders for drugs and other medical therapeutic or corrective measures.
2. 2. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  *CRNPCertified Registered Nurse Practitioner*A professional nurse licensed in this Commonwealth who is certified by the Board in a specialty and who, while functioning in the expanded role as a professional nurse, performs acts of medical diagnosis or prescription of medical therapeutic or corrective measures in collaboration with a physician licensed to practice in this Commonwealth and in accordance with the act and this subchapter.
CRNP definition ties expanded-role diagnosis/prescription to collaboration with a physician licensed in Pennsylvania

A CRNP is a professional nurse licensed in this Commonwealth, certified by the Board in a specialty, who performs acts of medical diagnosis or prescription of medical therapeutic or corrective measures in collaboration with a physician licensed to practice in this Commonwealth and in accordance with the act and this subchapter.

Applies when: For Pennsylvania CRNPs as defined in the CRNP rules.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  *CRNPCertified Registered Nurse Practitioner*A professional nurse licensed in this Commonwealth who is certified by the Board in a specialty and who, while functioning in the expanded role as a professional nurse, performs acts of medical diagnosis or prescription of medical therapeutic or corrective measures in collaboration with a physician licensed to practice in this Commonwealth and in accordance with the act and this subchapter.

License and education prerequisites

Underlying RN license requirement for CRNP certification applicants

As a condition for obtaining Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner certification, applicants must hold either a current, unrestricted Pennsylvania single-state or multistate registered nurse license or a multistate registered nurse license issued by another Compact state.

Applies when: For Pennsylvania CRNP certification applicants.
Source evidence
1. 1. pa.gov ↗
  As a condition for obtaining Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner certification applicants must hold either a current, unrestricted Pennsylvania single state or multistate registered nurse license or a multistate registered nurse license issued by another Compact state
2. 2. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  * An applicant for certification shall hold a current, unrestricted license as a professional nurse in this Commonwealth.
Education requirement for CRNP certification: master’s or higher from accredited/Board-approved program

An applicant for certification shall have completed an accredited, Board-approved master’s or postmaster’s nurse practitioner program (or other Board-approved equivalent).

Applies when: For initial CRNP certification in Pennsylvania.
Source evidence
1. 1. pa.gov ↗
  ### Degree Requirement: Master's Degree or Higher An applicant for certification shall have completed an accredited, Board-approved master's or postmaster's nurse practitioner program or other Board-approved program that awarded an advanced degree, or a course of study considered by the Board to be equivalent to that required for certification in this Commonwealth at the time the course was completed.
To obtain prescriptive authority approval, CRNP submits an application to the Board and pays the prescriptive authority fee

To obtain prescriptive authority approval, a CRNP must submit an application for prescriptive authority approval to the Board and pay the fee set forth in § 21.253.

Applies when: For a CRNP seeking prescriptive authority approval from the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  (2) Submit an application for prescriptive authority approval to the Board.
2. 2. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  (3) Pay the fee set forth in § 21.253 (relating to fees).
3. 3. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  Application for prescriptive authority $95
Underlying RN license required

As a condition for obtaining Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner certification applicants must hold either a current, unrestricted Pennsylvania single state or multistate registered nurse license or a multistate registered nurse license issued by another Compact state.

Applies when: For CRNP certification applicants.
Source evidence
1. 1. pa.gov ↗
  As a condition for obtaining Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner certification applicants must hold either a current, unrestricted Pennsylvania single state or multistate registered nurse license or a multistate registered nurse license issued by another Compact state

Collaboration and supervision

Collaboration is defined as working with one or more physicians within the CRNP’s expertise

Collaboration means a process in which a CRNP works with one or more physicians to deliver health care services within the scope of the CRNP’s expertise.

Applies when: For Pennsylvania CRNP collaboration under the subchapter definitions.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  *Collaboration*A process in which a CRNP works with one or more physicians to deliver health care services within the scope of the CRNPs expertise.
Prescriptive authority collaborative agreement is a written and signed agreement between the CRNP and collaborating physician

A prescriptive authority collaborative agreement is the written and signed agreement between a CRNP with prescriptive authority and a collaborating physician in which they agree to the details of their collaboration.

Applies when: For Pennsylvania prescriptive authority collaborative agreements.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  *Prescriptive authority collaborative agreement*The written and signed agreement between a CRNP with prescriptive authority and a collaborating physician in which they agree to the details of their collaboration
2. 2. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  *Prescriptive authority collaborative agreement*The written and signed agreement between a CRNP with prescriptive authority and a collaborating physician in which they agree to the details of their collaboration.
Collaborative agreement must be kept at primary practice location and reviewed/updated at least every 2 years or when changed

Prescriptive Authority Collaborative Agreements are required to be kept at the primary practice location and reviewed and updated at least once every 2 years or whenever the agreement is changed.

Applies when: For CRNPs who have prescriptive authority and maintain a prescriptive authority collaborative agreement.
Source evidence
1. 1. pa.gov ↗
  Prescriptive Authority Collaborative Agreements are required to be kept at the primary practice location and reviewed and updated at least once every 2 years or whenever the agreement is changed.
Physician collaborator must hold current Pennsylvania physician’s license

Physician must hold current Pennsylvania physician’s license.

Applies when: For the collaborative agreement application fields requiring collaborating physician information.
Source evidence
1. 1. pa.gov ↗
  You will be prompted to enter the following details: **Primary Collaborating Physician Medical License Number** o Physician must hold current Pennsylvania physician’s license.
2. 2. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  CRNP Practice. (a) A CRNP may collaborate only with physicians who hold a current license to practice in this Commonwealth.
Prescriptive authority collaborative agreement is a written and signed agreement

A prescriptive authority collaborative agreement is the written and signed agreement between a CRNP with prescriptive authority and a collaborating physician in which they agree to the details of their collaboration.

Applies when: For Pennsylvania CRNP prescriptive authority collaboration.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  *Prescriptive authority collaborative agreement*The written and signed agreement between a CRNP with prescriptive authority and a collaborating physician in which they agree to the details of their collaboration
2. 2. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  *Prescriptive authority collaborative agreement*The written and signed agreement between a CRNP with prescriptive authority and a collaborating physician in which they agree to the details of their collaboration.
Prescriptive authority collaborative agreements must be reviewed and updated at least every 2 years (or when changed)

Prescriptive Authority Collaborative Agreements are required to be kept at the primary practice location and reviewed and updated at least once every 2 years or whenever the agreement is changed.

Applies when: For Pennsylvania CRNPs who must maintain a prescriptive authority collaborative agreement.
Source evidence
1. 1. pa.gov ↗
  Prescriptive Authority Collaborative Agreements are required to be kept at the primary practice location and reviewed and updated at least once every 2 years or whenever the agreement is changed.
Physician must hold current Pennsylvania license

A CRNP may collaborate only with physicians who hold a current license to practice in this Commonwealth.

Applies when: For CRNP collaboration under the subchapter.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  CRNP Practice. (a) A CRNP may collaborate only with physicians who hold a current license to practice in this Commonwealth.

Federal DEA requirements

DEA registration conditioned on having state authority to dispense controlled substances in the state of practice

As a condition of DEA registration, a practitioner must possess “authority to dispense controlled substances under the laws of the state in which [the] practitioner engages in professional practice.”

Applies when: For DEA controlled-substance registration/authorization tied to PA professional practice.
Source evidence
1. 1. deadiversion.usdoj.gov ↗
  # Registration Q&A ### Registration In general, as a condition of registration with DEA, a practitioner or mid-level practitioner must possess “authority to dispense controlled substances under the laws of the state in which [the] practitioner engages in professional practice.”
2. 2. deadiversion.usdoj.gov ↗
  In general, as a condition of registration with DEA, a practitioner or mid-level practitioner must possess “authority to dispense controlled substances under the laws of the state in which [the] practitioner engages in professional practice.”
Separate DEA registration is required for each principal place of business/professional practice where controlled substances are dispensed

A separate DEA registration is “required at each principal place of business or professional practice” where the practitioner dispenses controlled substances.

Applies when: For establishing DEA registration coverage for PA practice locations where controlled substances are dispensed.
Source evidence
1. 1. deadiversion.usdoj.gov ↗
  Moreover, a separate DEA registration is “required at each principal place of business or professional practice” where the practitioner dispenses controlled substances.
DEA registration based on state licensing; cannot authorize outside the issuing state based on that state license

State authority to dispense/prescribe controlled substances confers rights and privileges only within the issuing state; thus, a DEA registration based on a State license cannot authorize controlled substance dispensing outside the State.

Applies when: For scope limits of a DEA registration tied to Pennsylvania state authority.
Source evidence
1. 1. deadiversion.usdoj.gov ↗
  Since DEA's authority to register practitioners to dispense (including to prescribe) controlled substances is contingent, in part, upon the applicant's authorization in the state in which he or she practices, his or her controlled substance privileges and limits are determined by that specific state.
2. 2. deadiversion.usdoj.gov ↗
  State authority to conduct the above-referenced activities only confers rights and privileges within the issuing State.
3. 3. deadiversion.usdoj.gov ↗
  Thus, a DEA registration based on a State license cannot authorize controlled substance dispensing outside the State.

Training and monitoring

Board-approved education: pain management/addiction and opioid prescribing/dispensing within 1 year of prescriptive authority approval

To obtain prescriptive authority approval, a CRNP must complete at least 2 hours of Board-approved education in pain management or identification of addiction and 2 hours of Board-approved education in the practices of prescribing or dispensing of opioids within 1 year of obtaining prescriptive authority approval.

Applies when: For initial prescriptive authority approval in Pennsylvania.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  (4) Complete at least 2 hours of Board-approved education in pain management or the identification of addiction and 2 hours of Board-approved education in the practices of prescribing or dispensing of opioids within 1 year of obtaining prescriptive authority approval.
Board-approved continuing education for renewal: 2 hours in specified topics within the prior 2 years when renewing with current DEA registration (or another’s)

At least 2 hours of Board-approved continuing education in pain management, the identification of addiction, or the practices of prescribing or dispensing opioids is required in the 2 years prior to renewal if the licensee is renewing prescriptive authority approval and holds a current DEA registration or is utilizing the DEA registration of another.

Applies when: For CRNP renewing prescriptive authority approval under the stated DEA-registration condition.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  (ii) At least 2 hours of Board-approved continuing education in pain management, the identification of addiction or the practices of prescribing or dispensing opioids in the 2 years prior to renewal if the licensee is renewing a prescriptive authority approval and holds a current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration or is utilizing the DEA registration of another.
If required, education is completed once per renewal regardless of number of prescriptive authority approvals being renewed

If required, this education shall be completed once per renewal regardless of the number of prescriptive authority approvals being renewed.

Applies when: For renewal education application to multiple renewals.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  If required, this education shall be completed once per renewal regardless of the number of prescriptive authority approvals being renewed.
DEA MATE Act training requirement: new training attestation requirement effective June 27, 2023; applies to initial or renewal on/after that date

As of June 27, 2023, DEA-registered practitioners (not solely veterinarians) must attest that they completed the required training; it applies to initial application or application for renewal on or after June 27, 2023.

Applies when: For DEA registration/renewal submissions for qualified non-veterinarian practitioners.
Source evidence
1. 1. deadiversion.usdoj.gov ↗
  Answer: As a condition of registration, the new training requirement in section 1263(a) of the CAA went into effect on June 27, 2023, and applies to all qualified practitioners when they apply for a new registration or a renewal of registration on or after that date.
2. 2. deadiversion.usdoj.gov ↗
  Answer: All DEA-registered practitioners, with the exception of practitioners that are solely veterinarians.
3. 3. deadiversion.usdoj.gov ↗
  DEA-registered practitioners that are not solely veterinarians must, upon initial application or application for renewal of a registration (beginning on June 27, 2023), attest to meeting one of three standards for training set forth in the CAA: The applicant is a physician holding a board certification in addiction psychiatry or addiction medicine from the American Board of Medical Specialties, a board certification from the American Board of Addiction Medicine, or a board

Fees and renewals

PA Board prescriptive authority application fee and biennial renewal fees

Application for prescriptive authority is $95. Biennial renewal of CRNP certification is $81. Biennial renewal of prescriptive authority approval is $41.

Applies when: For Pennsylvania Board fees related to CRNP certification and prescriptive authority approval.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  Fees. Application for prescriptive authority $95
2. 2. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  Each additional application for prescriptive authority $45 Restoration of CRNP certification after suspension or revocation $60 Restoration of CRNP prescriptive authority after suspension or revocation $60 (b) The following renewal fees are charged by the Board to support its operations: Biennial renewal of CRNP certification $81 Biennial renewal of prescriptive authority approval $41
Each additional prescriptive authority application fee

Each additional application for prescriptive authority is $45.

Applies when: For additional prescriptive authority applications to the Pennsylvania Board.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  Each additional application for prescriptive authority $45 Restoration of CRNP certification after suspension or revocation $60 Restoration of CRNP prescriptive authority after suspension or revocation $60 (b) The following renewal fees are charged by the Board to support its operations: Biennial renewal of CRNP certification $81 Biennial renewal of prescriptive authority approval $41
PA Board fee amounts for CRNP certification/prescriptive authority (application and biennial renewals)

Application for prescriptive authority $95. Biennial renewal of CRNP certification $81. Biennial renewal of prescriptive authority approval $41.

Applies when: For CRNP prescriptive authority and biennial renewal fees charged by the PA Board.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  Fees. Application for prescriptive authority $95
2. 2. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  Each additional application for prescriptive authority $45 Restoration of CRNP certification after suspension or revocation $60 Restoration of CRNP prescriptive authority after suspension or revocation $60 (b) The following renewal fees are charged by the Board to support its operations: Biennial renewal of CRNP certification $81 Biennial renewal of prescriptive authority approval $41
Prescriptive authority application fee

Application for prescriptive authority $95.

Applies when: For CRNP prescriptive authority applications.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  Fees. Application for prescriptive authority $95
Biennial renewal fees

Biennial renewal of CRNP certification $81 and biennial renewal of prescriptive authority approval $41.

Applies when: For CRNP renewal.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  Each additional application for prescriptive authority $45 Restoration of CRNP certification after suspension or revocation $60 Restoration of CRNP prescriptive authority after suspension or revocation $60 (b) The following renewal fees are charged by the Board to support its operations: Biennial renewal of CRNP certification $81 Biennial renewal of prescriptive authority approval $41
Additional application fee

Each additional application for prescriptive authority $45.

Applies when: For additional prescriptive authority applications.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  Each additional application for prescriptive authority $45 Restoration of CRNP certification after suspension or revocation $60 Restoration of CRNP prescriptive authority after suspension or revocation $60 (b) The following renewal fees are charged by the Board to support its operations: Biennial renewal of CRNP certification $81 Biennial renewal of prescriptive authority approval $41

Applications and documents

PA portal workflow: locate CRNP certification under “Professional License Details,” click “Request,” then select “Prescriptive Authority” options

Under “Professional License Details,” locate your CRNP certification, click “Request” next to your certification, then select “Prescriptive Authority” options.

Applies when: For submitting a prescriptive authority-related request using the licensure application portal described in the guide.
Source evidence
1. 1. pa.gov ↗
  2. Under **"Professional License Details"**, locate your **CRNP certification**.
2. 2. pa.gov ↗
  3. Click the **“Request** button next to your certification.
3. 3. pa.gov ↗
  4. Select **“Prescriptive Authority”** options.
4. 4. pa.gov ↗
  Go to the official licensure application portal:
CRNP prescriptive authority approval requires submitting the application to the Board and paying the fee

Submit an application for prescriptive authority approval to the Board and pay the fee set forth in § 21.253.

Applies when: For obtaining initial prescriptive authority approval from the Board of Nursing.
Source evidence
1. 1. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  (2) Submit an application for prescriptive authority approval to the Board.
2. 2. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  (3) Pay the fee set forth in § 21.253 (relating to fees).
3. 3. pacodeandbulletin.gov ↗
  Application for prescriptive authority $95
Collaborative agreement application prompts for primary collaborating physician medical license number; physician must be currently licensed in Pennsylvania

The application prompts for the primary collaborating physician medical license number and states the physician must hold current Pennsylvania physician’s license.

Applies when: For completion of collaboration details in the prescriptive authority collaborative agreement application.
Source evidence
1. 1. pa.gov ↗
  You will be prompted to enter the following details: **Primary Collaborating Physician Medical License Number** o Physician must hold current Pennsylvania physician’s license.
Portal step to request prescriptive authority

Under “Professional License Details,” locate your CRNP certification, click the “Request” button next to your certification, and select “Prescriptive Authority” options.

Applies when: For CRNPs submitting a prescriptive authority request through the portal.
Source evidence
1. 1. pa.gov ↗
  2. Under **"Professional License Details"**, locate your **CRNP certification**.
2. 2. pa.gov ↗
  3. Click the **“Request** button next to your certification.
3. 3. pa.gov ↗
  4. Select **“Prescriptive Authority”** options.
4. 4. pa.gov ↗
  Go to the official licensure application portal:
Collaborating physician input requires a current Pennsylvania physician’s license

The application prompts for the Primary Collaborating Physician Medical License Number and states the physician must hold current Pennsylvania physician’s license.

Applies when: For CRNPs entering collaboration details during a prescriptive authority collaborative agreement application.
Source evidence
1. 1. pa.gov ↗
  You will be prompted to enter the following details: **Primary Collaborating Physician Medical License Number** o Physician must hold current Pennsylvania physician’s license.

Authorities and sources

Pennsylvania nurse practitioner authority is exercised solely by the State Board of Nursing

Nurse practitioners, by or pursuant to law or regulation, shall be exercised solely by the State Board of Nursing.

Applies when: For Pennsylvania CRNP prescribing/practice authority governance.
Source evidence
1. 1. pa.gov ↗
  nurse practitioners, by or pursuant to law or regulation shall, after the effective date of this subsection, be exercised solely by the State Board of Nursing.
Prescriptive authority process is required for CRNPs seeking prescriptive authority in collaboration with a licensed physician in accordance with Board of Aging

This process is required for CRNPs seeking prescriptive authority in collaboration with a licensed physician, in accordance with Pennsylvania Board of Nursing regulations.

Applies when: For prescriptive authority approval and related collaboration requirements.
Source evidence
1. 1. pa.gov ↗
  This process is required for CRNPs seeking prescriptive authority in collaboration with a licensed physician, in accordance with Pennsylvania Board of Nursing regulations.
2. 2. pa.gov ↗
  **User Guide for Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP)** **Prescriptive Authority Collaborative Agreement Application** This guide provides step-by-step instructions for **Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs)** on how to submit a **Prescriptive Authority Collaborative Agreement** via the existing licensure application portal.
PA Board of Nursing has nurse practitioner authority (including CRNP practice regulation)

Nurse practitioners, by or pursuant to law or regulation, shall, after the effective date of this subsection, be exercised solely by the State Board of Nursing.

Applies when: For Pennsylvania CRNP practice authority and regulation.
Source evidence
1. 1. pa.gov ↗
  nurse practitioners, by or pursuant to law or regulation shall, after the effective date of this subsection, be exercised solely by the State Board of Nursing.
Primary state authority

Nurse practitioners, by or pursuant to law or regulation, shall, after the effective date of this subsection, be exercised solely by the State Board of Nursing.

Applies when: Pennsylvania CRNP licensure and prescribing.
Source evidence
1. 1. pa.gov ↗
  nurse practitioners, by or pursuant to law or regulation shall, after the effective date of this subsection, be exercised solely by the State Board of Nursing.
State board

Nurse practitioners, by or pursuant to law or regulation, shall, after the effective date of this subsection, be exercised solely by the State Board of Nursing.

Applies when: For Pennsylvania CRNP authority.
Source evidence
1. 1. pa.gov ↗
  nurse practitioners, by or pursuant to law or regulation shall, after the effective date of this subsection, be exercised solely by the State Board of Nursing.
Primary state authority

Nurse practitioners, by or pursuant to law or regulation, shall, after the effective date of this subsection, be exercised solely by the State Board of Nursing.

Applies when: Primary state authority for CRNP certification and prescriptive authority.
Source evidence
1. 1. pa.gov ↗
  nurse practitioners, by or pursuant to law or regulation shall, after the effective date of this subsection, be exercised solely by the State Board of Nursing.