Question about NP License transfer to CA

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Mar 10, 2017

I started the process of endorsing my RN and NP license from MI to CA over 7 years ago. I think the process hasn't changed too much except that now you can do part of the application online.

It's almost a 4 part process the way I see it.

1. Endorse your RN license. The instructions are in this link: Licensure by Endorsement. If your're nurse who graduated from a US based program except Excelsior, then you shouldn't have any hassles. This part is pretty straightforward and similar to the endorsement process in most other states.

2. Endorse your NP license. This is a separate process and the instructions are in this link if you scroll down to nurse practitioner: Advanced Practice and Certification. If you are ANCC certified, you shouldn't have any hassles either.

3. Apply for a Nurse Practitioner Furnishing Number. This is a requirement unique to California. As non-physicians, the term "furnishing" was coined as a way to circumvent the word "prescribe" which is only applicable to physicians in this state. The requirements are pretty easy to meet by any NP - just the fact that we attended an Advanced Pharm class is the main thing! Basically, all the board needs is proof of completion of this course and the forms are in this link: Advanced Practice and Certification. Be aware that getting an initial NPF alone will not enable you to prescribe controlled substances, you must also do step 4 below.

4. Once you have your NPF (furnishing number), you should apply for a DEA (or transfer your existing one to CA) and take a CME course on prescribing controlled substances that is approved by the board. The course offered by CANP is approved for sure and I don't know of any others. The link to course is found here: Store - California Association for Nurse Practitioners. Once you get the DEA and the CME certificate, send copies of both to the board and your NPF will be updated to being able to furnish controlled substances.

- I can't speak to the length of time it takes to complete the above as it's been 7 years. I remember it took me 2 months to endorse my RN and NP and I didn't get my NPF until I actually moved here.

NPskywalker · Apr 30, 2017

Hi Juan,

Did you apply for the RN endorsement at the same time as the NP endorsement, or did you have to wait to receive the RN license number first and then apply for the NP license?

I was hoping to expedite my licensure processing time but then realized that it's probably not possible since the NP endorsement application requires the CA RN license number.

I've heard many horror stories about transferring NP licenses to California. My friend waited a total of 5 months to get her CA RN license and CA NP license (she applied to them separately).

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · May 1, 2017

I remember sending both RN and NP applications at the same time.

ArmaniX, MSN, APRN · May 2, 2017

Not to hijack your post, but in anyone's opinion.. would it be wise to get your CA RN license while still in NP school if ones goal is to find a position in that state?

I have a year left of my AGACNP program and my ideal first time position would be in California. I've looked up some fellowships offered (opinions welcomed there too..) and most require licensure in the state prior to application.

NPskywalker · May 2, 2017

Yes, I would recommend applying for your CA RN license as soon as you can because the process can take at least 10-12 weeks.

aok7, NP · Nov 10, 2019

Although this is an old discussion, it is on target with my question. Specifically, can I apply for both the RN and NP licenses at the same time? I am a practicing NP in the state of WA, and the application is not clear but does include a section in the NP application to place CA RN credentials.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Nov 12, 2019

I did that over 10 years ago and there are other posters who endorsed more recently in other threads who are saying that you could send the RN, NP, and NPF applications all at once. Does the online application allow you to proceed if you leave the CA RN license answer blank?

shawna middleton, BSN, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 3, 2021

Old topic, but I didn't want to reinvent the wheel here:) I was wondering do I have to apply for both the NP and the NPF to work in California? Or can you right typical prescriptions under the NP license?

Thanks for any information:)

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Feb 3, 2021

29 minutes ago, shawna middleton said:

Old topic, but I didn't want to reinvent the wheel here:) I was wondering do I have to apply for both the NP and the NPF to work in California? Or can you right typical prescriptions under the NP license?

Thanks for any information:)

You have to obtain an NPF to write prescriptions. In addition, your NPF must be tied to a DEA # and proof of training in prescribing controlled substances so that you can prescribe controlled substances.

shawna middleton, BSN, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 3, 2021

Thank you so much Juan! Okay so I do need to apply for both NP and NPF or just the NPF then? (of course with all the other stuff mentioned). I already have my DEA and I switch it from place to place as I move around with my travels. I will go online and do the training now while I wait this process out LOL

shawna middleton, BSN, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 3, 2021

And I am a dork yes...that should've said WRITE, not right ? fingers not working with brain today