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Prescribing CDS for nurse practitioners

CARNA grants authorization for NPs and GNPs to prescribe controlled drugs and substances (CDS), including those monitored under the Triplicate Prescription Program (TPP). Authorization is granted only after an NP or GNP completes the requirements outlined below. Until that point, a condition is placed on the practice permit restricting the individual from prescribing CDS.

New applicants will need to meet these requirements according to policies adopted by the CARNA registration committee.

Please contact us at nursepractitioners@nurses.ab.ca if you have any questions.
 

The federal legislation New Classes of Practitioners Regulations was passed in November 2012. This legislation provided NPs with the additional prescriptive authority of Controlled Drugs and Substances (CDS).

CARNA began authorizing NPs and GNPs to prescribe controlled drugs and substances (CDS) in February 2014.

For more information, download the prescribing standards for NPs.

When an NP successfully completes these requirements, they will be able to prescribe CDS, including those monitored under the Triplicate Prescription Program (TPP).

All new graduates from an approved entry level NP program in Alberta meet all the requirement to prescribe CDS. You cannot prescribe CDS until you receive notification from CARNA. It is recommended to get yourself familiar with the resources below. After reviewing if you have further questions about CDS or any other practice questions please get in touch with a practice consultant.

New NP applicants outside Alberta will need to meet the following requirements according to policies approved by the CARNA registration committee.

  1. Complete a CDS prescribing education course. If you completed your CDS education in an NP program outside of Alberta, please contact nursepractitioners@nurses.ab.ca to determine if the program meets our requirements.

    If your NP education did not include a CDS module, completion of the following standalone courses meets the CDS requirement:
  2. Meet the CDS Jurisprudence requirement by contacting a practice consultant to discuss jurisprudence requirements of prescribing in Alberta.
  3. Complete and submit Confirmation of Completion form. Once your course and consultation with a practice consultant is complete please submit the form below.

Confirmation of completion

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 I have consulted with a practice consultant and understand the context within which nurse practitioners are authorized to prescribe controlled drugs and substances in Alberta.
 I understand how to access the resources necessary for prescribing controlled drugs and substances including those under the Alberta Triplicate Prescription Program.
 I understand that I am not authorized to prescribe controlled drugs and substances until I receive notification from CARNA.
 
 

From CARNA

From the Alberta College of Pharmacists

From the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta

Other resources