§ 18.53. Prescribing and dispensing drugs.

 A CRNP may prescribe and dispense drugs if the following requirements are met:

   (1)  The CRNP has completed a CRNP program which is approved by the Boards or, if completed in another state, is equivalent to programs approved by the Boards.

   (2)  The CRNP has successfully completed at least 45 hours of course work specific to advanced pharmacology in accordance with the following:

     (i)   The course work in advanced pharmacology may be either part of the CRNP education program or, if completed outside of the CRNP education program, an additional course or courses taken from an educational program or programs approved by the Boards.

     (ii)   The course work in advanced pharmacology must be at an advanced level above a pharmacology course required by a professional nursing (RN) education program.

   (3)  A CRNP who has prescriptive authority shall complete at least 16 hours of State Board of Nursing approved continuing education in pharmacology in the 2 years prior to the biennial renewal date of his or her CRNP certification. The CRNP shall show proof that she completed the continuing education when submitting a biennial renewal.

   (4)  In prescribing and dispensing drugs, a CRNP shall comply with standards of the State Board of Medicine in § §  16.92—16.94 (relating to prescribing, administering and dispensing controlled substances; packaging; and labeling of dispensed drugs) and the Department of Health in 28 Pa. Code § §  25.51—25.58, 25.61—25.81 and 25.91—25.95.

   The provisions of this §  18.53 issued under section 15(b) of the Medical Practice Act of 1985 (63 P. S. §  422.15(b)); and section 2(1) of the Professional Nursing Law (63 P. S. §  212(1)).

   The provisions of this §  18.53 adopted November 17, 2000, effective November 18, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 5943.