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Featured Practice Question

I am new to California from Florida. I just received my DEA number and before I have my office manager place my prescription pad order, I want to make sure that it is acceptable to have only my name, RN license number, furnishing number and DEA on the prescription. I didn't want to order and then find out a supervising physician's name, etc. needed to be on there also.

You may order your prescription pad with just your information on it. You do not need the supervising physician name and number. Most multi-provider practices use pads with everyone's info imprinted, so generally the supervising MD name is on there as well, but it is not necessary. I suggest that you put your NPI number on the pad, as pharmacies need that info for billing.

Featured Legal Question

There is some disagreement within my practice group as to the age groups Adult Nurse Practitioners are allowed to treat. I was told in NP school that we were allowed to treat anyone age 14 and older. Some of my colleagues believe we are only allowed to treat patients 18 and older. Our SOPs do not address the age of the patients. Although it is rare, we occasionally are asked to see patients who are 15-17 years old. Can you offer any insight?

This can vary. Many PNPs do not feel comfortable seeing anyone over 18. However, many PNPs continue to see their patients as they get into their 20s. I would recommend no younger than 16. But it really depends on the ages you saw in NP school and your experience. If there is ever a question, you need to demonstrate that you had clinical and didactic experience to be able to treat the patient.

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