Obtaining a furnishing license

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Oct 9, 2012

I am assuming this is a California question...

The application form for a Furnishing License requires a physician's signature which means only physicians can attest to the supervision requirement, not a PA or another NP.

The requirement for 520 hours of physician supervision has been removed with passage of CA SB 1524.

The collaborating physician does not need to be present to call in or write a prescription, the NP's Furnishing License is used and the DEA number as well if the prescription is for schedule II and above.

NP's can have their name on prescription pads. Many of the specialty groups where I work have group prescription pads that contain the names of the physicians, PA's, and NP's who belong to the group.

Standardized procedures must be in place for NP's to practice in California.

Stockwell · Oct 10, 2012

Hey Juan, Thanks alot for your response. Is it true that the requirement for 520 hours of physician supervision isnt removed until jan 1? Im talking about a NP that is currently working in our urgent care and is still working on her 520 hours within her 6 months. So thanks for clarifying that she must be overseen by a physician, not a PA or NP.

But during this 520 hours, doesnt the supervising physician have to be onsite and sign every prescription that she writes. So basically, the NP would see the patient, write the script, then have the MD sign the script after consulting with the MD.. Is that the correct way for her to practice before she gets her furnishing license or DEA number?

Another question, How about if a NP has her 520 hours but doesnt have her furnishing license or DEA number yet..Can she practice and see patients and write prescriptions without the MD being present onsite..so basically, she would be calling in using his number without him being there or using pre signed prescription pads...That doesnt seem right, is it?

Thanks for all your info..Ive noticed you are quite knowledgable about these issues in CA..How do you know all the requirements when so many NP's have no idea and so many people from the BRN are unable to answer all my questions. Thanks again for helping gets things right..I really appreciate it!

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Oct 10, 2012

I will answer you questions based on what I know...you should check with the BRN for definitive information

"Hey Juan, Thanks alot for your response. Is it true that the requirement for 520 hours of physician supervision isnt removed until jan 1? Im talking about a NP that is currently working in our urgent care and is still working on her 520 hours within her 6 months. So thanks for clarifying that she must be overseen by a physician, not a PA or NP"

I am not aware that the new rule will not take effect until Jan 1. That is something the BRN needs to clarify. The way our practice is regulated in California, the NP must start with Standardized Procedures whether he/she has a Furnishing License or not. The Standardized Procedure indicates what roles the NP can perform including special procedures that the NP will be allowed to do as well as a formulary of medications the NP will prescribe (or furnish). Until the Furnishing License is issued, the collaborating physician is responsible for making sure the NP is prescribing safely...this does not mean that only the physician must supervise, in some practices, there are NP's and PA's who may also be involved in the training of the new NP. Ultimately, the physician must sign the application for a Furnishing License.

"But during this 520 hours, doesnt the supervising physician have to be onsite and sign every prescription that she writes. So basically, the NP would see the patient, write the script, then have the MD sign the script after consulting with the MD.. Is that the correct way for her to practice before she gets her furnishing license or DEA number?"

Prior to issuance of a Furnishing License, the physician must sign all prescriptions written by the NP. The DEA number is a step towards being able to prescribe Schedule II and above. In California, you must also have a Furnishing License that includes provisions for prescribing Schedule II and above. In order to meet that, you must have a DEA number and have attended a BRN approved CME on Schedule II and above.

"Another question, How about if a NP has her 520 hours but doesnt have her furnishing license or DEA number yet..Can she practice and see patients and write prescriptions without the MD being present onsite..so basically, she would be calling in using his number without him being there or using pre signed prescription pads...That doesnt seem right, is it?"

The NP can see patients based on what the Standardized Procedures state but can not write prescriptions on his/her own without an actual Furnishing License which is a separate number from the NP Certificate.

"Thanks for all your info..Ive noticed you are quite knowledgable about these issues in CA..How do you know all the requirements when so many NP's have no idea and so many people from the BRN are unable to answer all my questions. Thanks again for helping gets things right..I really appreciate it!"

I went through the process. I am originally from the Midwest and practiced as an NP there for 5 years. I moved here 3 years ago. Things are very different here and the process is not as easy as where I am from originally but it can be done.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Oct 10, 2012

BTW, I know these are quite complicated. If it's any consolation, the other West Coast states (AK, OR and WA) have independent NP practice...that means less bureaucratic headache just to get the privilege to practice.

UMAshtangi · Dec 21, 2012

Is there any update on what the process for applying for a furnishing number is? The new law will go into effect on 1/1/13, and I haven't heard anything from the BRN, or seen any new forms/information on the website.