An understanding of controlled substances is essential for safe and responsible prescribing by the Advanced Nurse Practitioner. This presentation offers a review of state and federal laws governing the prescribing of controlled substances, as well as ethical and fiscal considerations associated with prescribing controlled substances. Indications, contraindications, scheduling requirements, and safe prescribing practices are discussed, with particular attention to Schedule II medications and considerations for pediatric and geriatric populations. This presentation also examines opioids, sedatives, stimulants, selected gastrointestinal and weight loss medications, and anabolic hormones. Strategies to prevent controlled substance misuse and diversion are reviewed, including the use of state reporting systems and prescription drug monitoring programs.
Learning Objectives:Introduction to Controlled Substances
- Describe state and federal laws governing the authority to prescribe controlled substances, including scheduling requirements and Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS), as well as ethical and fiscal considerations associated with prescribing controlled substances.
- Identify indications, contraindications, and special considerations for prescribing controlled substances, including considerations for pediatric and geriatric populations.
- Recognize strategies for preventing controlled substance misuse, including the roles of state reporting systems and prescription drug monitoring programs.