RN prescribing and ordering diagnostic tests

Registered nurses who meet certain requirements can become authorized to prescribe Schedule 1 drugs (except controlled drugs and substances) and order common diagnostic tests within a specific clinical practice setting.

Before you apply

RNs can only be authorized to prescribe within a specific practice setting and location. If you move practice settings or locations, your authorization is no longer valid and you will need to re-apply for authorization in your new practice setting.

Before applying for authorization, you must first: 

• hold an active permit and be in good standing with CARNA
• have at least 3,000 clinical practice hours as an RN
• have at least 750 practice hours in the practice setting/location in which you are seeking authorization to prescribe
• complete the Athabasca University RN prescribing course
• have employer support including an employer reference, employer policies, clinical support tools, and collaborative practice relationships in the workplace
  

How to apply

1. Complete the assessment in MyCARNA under "Apply for Registration" to see if you are eligible.
2. If you are eligible, you will be able to access the application form for RN prescribing authorization.
3. Once we receive your application, we will request additional documentation to confirm you meet the requirements.
   

Authorization process

We will contact you with your application results by email. You will receive a prescriber ID and your practice permit will indicate the specific practice area where you are authorized to prescribe. 

The authorization does not expire, however we will require confirmation of your employment setting during renewal. If you leave your current practice setting, you must inform us, and we will remove the authorization from your permit. You will need to re-apply for authorization in each new practice setting.