Frequently Asked Questions – North Carolina Board of Nursing

What is the continuing education requirement for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses with prescriptive authority?
When will the requirement be in effect?
Is this a one-time requirement or will licensees be required to earn CE in controlled substances prescribing on an ongoing basis?
May I claim credit for CE hours I have already completed if the course content fulfills the requirements stated in the rule?
What if I am at the end of my CE cycle when the rule takes effect but I have not completed any CE that fulfills the requirement?
When does my CE cycle end?
Are any licensees be exempt from the new CE requirement?
I prescribe medications but I do not prescribe any controlled drugs. Do I have to comply with the requirement?
I prescribe medications, including controlled substances (e.g. hormones, psychoactive medications, stimulants), but I do not prescribe ANY opioids. Do I have to comply with the requirement?
How will licensees find CE courses that fulfill the requirement?
What education topics must be covered for courses to count towards the new CE requirement?
How will the Board communicate the CS requirements to licensees?
I am a APRN who only orders or administers controlled substances to hospitalized patients, patients at an ambulatory care surgery or procedure center, or similar facility (e.g., NP/CNM working in hospitalist roles, out-patient procedural units, etc.),
Why is NCBON implementing a controlled substances CE requirement?
Who is subject to the controlled substance CE requirement?
What is the controlled substance reporting system (CSRS)?
I do not prescribe controlled substances, am I required to enroll in the controlled reporting system (CSRS)?
How does the Board notify licensees of the requirement for the CSRS?
I work in a federal healthcare system, am I required to enroll and utilize the CSRS?
Who is authorized to access the CSRS?
Can I use the CSRS to monitor patient prescriptions across state/jurisdictional boarders?
Are APRN prescribers authorized to prescribe Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT)?
What is the STOP Act?
Is the goal of the STOP Act to get clinicians with prescriptive authority to stop treating chronic pain?
What medications does the STOP Act impact?
When does the Personal consultation with the supervising physician for Schedule II and III Opioids go into effect?
How is consultation for prescribing controlled substances defined?
Does the STOP Act apply to APRN prescribers who do not work in pain management settings?