Safe Prescribing Assignment Discussion

Assignment 2: Week 2 Practicum Journal: Safe Prescribing

There is probably no greater responsibility that the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner assumes than the responsibility of prescribing medications. While someone can be harmed by psychotherapy, the level and intensity of the harm generally does not come to the same level of harm that can occur from improper prescribing. The PMHNP must understand his/her responsibility both at a state and federal level when it comes to prescribing medications Safe Prescribing Assignment Discussion.

In this Practicum Journal Assignment, you will explore the legalities associated with prescribing controlled substances, as well as what a DEA number is, how to obtain one, and, most importantly, how to prescribe controlled substances in your state.

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Learning Objectives

Students will:

Analyze roles of the Drug Enforcement Administration

Analyze PMHNP responsibilities when issued a DEA number

Analyze DEA number application procedures

Analyze state requirements for safe prescribing and prescription monitoring

Analyze PMHNP responsibilities for safe prescribing and prescription monitoring

Analyze Schedule II-V drug levels

** Assigned in Week 2 and submitted in Week 4.

To prepare for this Practicum Journal:

Review the Learning Resources Safe Prescribing Assignment Discussion.

Describe the role of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as it pertains to the PMHNP.

Explain your responsibilities when having a DEA number.

Explain how you apply for a DEA number.

Explain your state’s requirements for a safe prescribing and prescription monitoring program. Explain your responsibility as a PMHNP to follow these requirements.

Provide an example of a drug you may prescribe from each of the Schedule II-V drug levels.

Describe the role of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as it pertains to the PMHNP.

The role of the DEA as it pertains to the PMHNP, is to ensure that the nurse meets certain conditions when prescribing controlled substances. Firstly, the nurse must personally determine the medical need for the controlled substance. Secondly, the nurse must specify the elements of a valid prescription. These two responsibilities cannot be delegated (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2010).

Explain your responsibilities when having a DEA number.

A DEA number is a unique identifier assigned to a medical practitioner to allow the individual to prescribe controlled substances. In fact, it allows the DEA to regulate the use of controlled substances. In having a DEA number, the medical practitioner must ensure that controlled prescription medication are used responsibility (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2010).

Explain how you apply for a DEA number.

Any medical practitioner who intends to prescribe controlled prescription medication must apply for a DEA number. Firstly, the individual must hold an active state practice license. Secondly, the individual should have a controlled substance permit. The final step is to present the license and permit to the federal DEA registration office. Once received, the number would only be valid for three years (CompHealth, 2018).

Explain your state’s requirements for a safe prescribing and prescription monitoring program.

The Texas Health and Safety Code specifies that medical practitioners can only prescribe controlled prescription medication during the course of medical practice and for valid medical purposes. In addition, the prescription must be under the direction and supervision of the practitioner (Thomson Reuters, 2018).

Explain your responsibility as a PMHNP to follow these requirements.

As a PMHNP, I am legally bound to follow the requirements. That is because the law makes it clear that a medical purpose is required before a controlled medication can be prescribed. This means that failing to follow this requirement could result in possible practicing license cancellation, legal suit and possible jail terms Safe Prescribing Assignment Discussion.

Provide an example of a drug you may prescribe from each of the Schedule II-V drug levels.

Table 1. Schedule II-V drug levels (Source: Drug Enforcement Administration, 2018)

Schedule Examples
II Methamphetamine, amphetamine, fentanyl, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, and hydromorphone
III Ketamine, phendimetrazine, and benzphetamine
IV Triazolam, temazepam, midazolam, lorazepam, diazepam, clorazepate, clonazepam, carisoprodol, and alprazolam
V Ezogabine and Phenergan with Codeine
References

CompHealth (2018). Obtaining DEA registration. Retrieved from https://comphealth.com/resources/credentialing-licensing/obtaining-dea-registration/

Drug Enforcement Administration (2010). Rules – 2010. Retrieved from https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/2010/fr1006.htm

Drug Enforcement Administration (2018). List of controlled substances. Retrieved from https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/

Thomson Reuters (2018). Texas Health and Safety Code – HEALTH & SAFETY § 481.071. Medical Purpose Required Before Prescribing, Dispensing, Delivering, or Administering Controlled Substance. Retrieved from https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/health-and-safety-code/health-safety-sect-481-071.html Safe Prescribing Assignment Discussion.