Posted: February 28th, 2022

Assignment: Week 2 Practicum Journal: Safe Prescribing

Assignment: Week 2 Practicum Journal: Safe Prescribing (Due in Week 4)
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.
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. (California)
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.
In 2-3 pages: I reside in Los Angeles, California
• 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.
All references require creditable sources, nothing less than 5 years. References require APA 7th edition http//. Please add conclusion.

Role of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as it pertains to the PMHNP

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is a federal agency that is responsible for enforcing the Controlled Substances Act. The Controlled Substances Act is a law that regulates the manufacture, distribution, and use of controlled substances. Controlled substances are drugs that have the potential to be abused and that can lead to addiction.

The DEA issues DEA numbers to healthcare professionals who are authorized to prescribe controlled substances. A DEA number is required to prescribe controlled substances in the United States.

The DEA also has a number of regulations that govern the prescribing of controlled substances. These regulations are designed to ensure that controlled substances are prescribed safely and effectively.

Responsibilities of a PMHNP with a DEA number

PMHNP’s with a DEA number have a number of responsibilities. These responsibilities include:

Prescribing controlled substances only when medically necessary.
Documenting the medical necessity of all controlled substance prescriptions.
Keeping accurate records of all controlled substance prescriptions.
Reporting all suspected cases of drug abuse or diversion to the DEA.
Complying with all DEA regulations.

How to apply for a DEA number

To apply for a DEA number, you must complete a DEA Form 224. You can find the DEA Form 224 on the DEA website.

The DEA Form 224 requires you to provide the following information:

Your name
Your address
Your date of birth
Your DEA number
Your state license number
Your signature

You must also submit a copy of your state license to the DEA.

The DEA will review your application and will notify you if your application is approved.

State requirements for safe prescribing and prescription monitoring

Each state has its own requirements for safe prescribing and prescription monitoring. In California, the state requirements for safe prescribing and prescription monitoring are as follows:

All healthcare professionals who prescribe controlled substances must register with the California Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (CPMP).
Healthcare professionals must check the CPMP before prescribing controlled substances.
Healthcare professionals must document the results of the CPMP check in the patient’s medical record.
Healthcare professionals must report all suspected cases of drug abuse or diversion to the CPMP.

Responsibilities of a PMHNP for safe prescribing and prescription monitoring

As a PMHNP, you have a number of responsibilities for safe prescribing and prescription monitoring. These responsibilities include:

Registering with the CPMP.
Checking the CPMP before prescribing controlled substances.
Documenting the results of the CPMP check in the patient’s medical record.
Reporting all suspected cases of drug abuse or diversion to the CPMP.

Schedule II-V drug levels

The Controlled Substances Act classifies controlled substances into five schedules. The schedules are based on the potential for abuse and addiction.

Schedule II drugs have the highest potential for abuse and addiction. Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and addiction.

As a PMHNP, you may prescribe drugs from each of the Schedule II-V drug levels. However, you must be careful when prescribing Schedule II drugs. Schedule II drugs are highly addictive and can be dangerous if they are not used properly.

Examples of drugs that a PMHNP may prescribe from each of the Schedule II-V drug levels

Schedule II drugs:
Oxycodone
Hydrocodone
Methadone
Cocaine
Fentanyl
Schedule III drugs:
Codeine
Hydromorphone
Meperidine
Pentazocine
Tramadol
Schedule IV drugs:
Alprazolam
Clonazepam
Diazepam
Lorazepam
Temazepam
Schedule V drugs:
Dextroamphetamine
Methylphenidate
Buprenorphine
Pentazocine
Tramadol

Conclusion

As a PMHNP, you have a number of responsibilities when it comes to prescribing controlled substances. You must understand the role of the DEA, your responsibilities with a DEA number, how to apply for a DEA number, your state’s requirements for safe prescribing and prescription monitoring, and your responsibilities for safe prescribing and prescription monitoring. You must also be familiar with the Schedule II-V drug levels and the examples of drugs that you may prescribe from each level. By understanding these responsibilities, you can help to ensure that controlled substances are prescribed safely and effectively.

References

Drug Enforcement Administration. (2023, March 8). Controlled Substances Act. Retrieved from https://www.deadiversion.usdo

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