Gwinnett Forsyth Chapter United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Did you know there are two kinds of protocols for APRNs in Georgia? Are you using your physician's DEA number?

Posted about 8 years ago by Julie Hannah

Some of you are already aware of this, but for those who are new grads or moved here from out-of-State, it is informative.  This is directly from the GA Composite Medical Board office:

If an APRN is practicing under Georgia law OCGA 43-34-23, the APRN sees the patient, makes the diagnos(es), determines the course of treatment, and then calls in a prescription under their collaborating physician's name to the pharmacy - just like a nurse or medical assistant does.  This applies even if the physician has NOT evaluated the patient at all.  A protocol agreement is signed under the OCGA 43-34-23 version of the law and kept on-site, but it is NOT sent to the Medical Board, so no fee is required.

Under the OCGA 43-34-25 version of the law, the APRN signs their own name on prescriptions.  This type of protocol agreement must be submitted to the Board of Medical Examiners within 30 days of being signed (along with a fee of $150), and a copy kept at your practice. If the APRN will also be prescribing controlled substances, he/she may not use the DEA number issued to their collaborating physician, but must have his/her own DEA number.  DEA numbers are issued only for 3 years at a time, at a cost of $731.  If your physician wants you to write for controlled substances, you should ask them to pay this fee as they are requiring something you would not otherwise need to practice.  Do not let them convince you to use their number instead to save money, because that is against the law!  More importantly, having the APRNs name on all these prescriptions allows recognition of us as legitimate providers, unafraid to be tracked and monitored.


Comments

Marie Emery almost 8 years ago

Thanks for posting this information. It is clear and concise. I will share with my medical administrator!


Only active members can comment on this announcement.

Learn more about membership