Can NP's self prescribe?

Specialties NP

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I was wondering if anyone knows or has prescribed themselves anything? Are there any laws that prohibit this or is it simply an ethical dilemma? Does it vary from State to State? Im thinking meds, vaccines and labs/xrays etc. Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I wouldn't do it....

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Simply, don't do it. There is no need for it. The legal and ethical implications have been debated in the literature but that fact remains it is not good practice and it should not be done.

As far as I know there is no explicit law against it, though I have heard of pharmacists refusing to fill the script and reporting the prescriber.

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I know you shouldn't and its bad practice etc. I was just wondering if it was legally allowed. Just curious.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
I know you shouldn't and its bad practice etc. I was just wondering if it was legally allowed. Just curious.

Unless the state practice act states something different there is nothing specific as far as I know.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU.

I personally know NPs in ohio that self prescribe antibiotics... I have never and highly doubt I would. My MIL is a NP so I just call her!

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.
My MIL is a NP so I just call her!

Did you write this in jest? Be aware that this is also a gray area just like self-prescribing. There may not be laws in your state prohibiting it but it is still fraught with ethical issues. The fact is, there is no established provider-patient relationship that is immune from bias due to familial affinity.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU.

Thanks for the tip. I should have said... I would just call her. I have never needed anything. But again thanks.

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Specializes in Med Surg, ER, OR.

I know an NP who self prescribes her warfarin. Has a POC PT/INR machine and then self-adjusts her dosing. Just like others have mentioned, have never heard of legal barriers, but ethically it isn't wise.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Look to the IL IDFPR disciplinary actions....all out there for everyone to see and read.....I personally know a PA that prescribed antibiotics for a family member and she received a fine and a reprimand.

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Specializes in ICU, CV-Thoracic Sx, Internal Medicine.

I have never nor would ever self-prescribe. No matter how benign the drug may be. Don't do it.

Texas DPS does random monitoring of controlled substances. DPS will search for last names that match, an easy way to find if you're prescribing to friends or family, even oneself I guess.

Don't open yourself up to scrutiny.

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Self-prescribe - no. It's questionable, and while I don't think there is any law per se, most nursing boards have "position statements" on it and list it as bad practice.

Family members/friends - again, there are position statements on this. The main issue is an established provider-patient relationship. If a friend/family member calls and asks for a specific med, and you fill it, there might be an issue if the pharmacists reports it and the board asks for patients records explaining why you chose that med. Not having the records is a big no-no. So, while I still don't recommend it, if you had a family member that needed something, you could always establish an official record. Bring them into your office, examine them, chart it, and then prescribe. Everything would be above board then - I've read of many other MDs/PAs/NPs using this method to ensure they have a paper trail.*

*Not legal advice and simply my own observations. Do not attempt anything that may jeopardize your license.

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