Yes, nurse practitioners (NPs) can now prescribe Suboxone in most states. This significant expansion of their prescribing authority was made possible by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which eliminated the previous requirement for a special waiver.
- States That Allow Nurse Practitioners to Prescribe Suboxone
- Training Requirements for Nurse Practitioners to Prescribe Suboxone
- Suboxone Prescribing Guidelines for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
- Healthcare Professionals Other than Physicians who can Prescribe Suboxone
- Steps to Find a Suboxone Provider
- Requirements to Become a Suboxone Prescriber
States That Allow Nurse Practitioners to Prescribe Suboxone
While most states have embraced this change, there are a few exceptions:
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States Requiring Physician Oversight
In some states, NPs must have physician supervision or collaboration when prescribing Suboxone. This means they may need to consult with a physician or work in a collaborative practice setting -
States Prohibiting NP Suboxone Prescribing
Tennessee, Wyoming, and Oklahoma have laws specifically prohibiting NPs from prescribing Suboxone.
| States Requiring Physician Oversight | States Prohibiting NP Suboxone Prescribing |
|---|---|
|
|
This is just a sample of states and their regulations. It's essential to consult with state-specific resources or professional organizations for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Source: https://online.simmons.edu/blog/nurse-practitioners-scope-of-practice-map/
Training Requirements for Nurse Practitioners to Prescribe Suboxone
All prescribers of buprenorphine, including NPs, must complete an eight-hour training course. This course covers topics such as:
- Assessment and diagnosis of opioid addiction
- Medication management
- Counseling and therapy techniques
- Ethical considerations
This training can be completed through various organizations, such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Academy of Addiction Medicine (AAAM). Some NPs may have already met this requirement through previous training, such as advanced nursing programs that included substance use disorder education.
Suboxone Prescribing Guidelines for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
When prescribing Suboxone, NPs and PAs should:
- Follow state-specific laws and regulations.
- Adhere to federal guidelines for prescribing buprenorphine.
- Consider the patient's individual needs and medical history.
- Monitor patients for side effects and adjust the dosage as needed.
- Provide ongoing support and counseling.
Healthcare Professionals Other than Physicians who can Prescribe
In addition to physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants can prescribe Suboxone. This expansion of prescribing authority has increased access to treatment for individuals struggling with opioid addiction.
Steps to Find a Suboxone Provider
To locate a Suboxone provider in your area, you can:
- Use the SAMHSA buprenorphine practitioner locator
- Contact local healthcare organizations: Hospitals, clinics, and community health centers may have Suboxone providers on staff.
- Utilize telehealth services: Many telehealth providers offer Suboxone prescriptions, allowing for convenient and accessible treatment.
Requirements to Become a Suboxone Prescriber
To become a Suboxone prescriber, NPs and PAs must:
- Complete the required eight-hour training course
- Obtain a DEA registration number
This number allows healthcare professionals to prescribe controlled substances.