Advanced Nurse Practitioner Licensing Information

Overview

Advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) must have an active, current Registered Nurse license to practice advanced nursing in Iowa. An advanced level certification by a national professional nursing certifying body, recognized by the Board, is also required for licensure as an advanced registered nurse practitioner.

Licensure with the Iowa Board of Nursing at the advanced level permits the nurse to use the title Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) and authorizes the nurse to prescribe substances or devices, including controlled substances. ARNPs shall have the authority to prescribe when engaged in the practice of a nursing specialty regulated under the rules adopted by the Board of Nursing.  

CSA & DEA Registration

Registration as a practitioner with the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Board of Pharmacy Examiners permits the Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner to prescribe controlled substances within the practitioner’s recognized specialty.  

• To obtain a DEA number the provider must be licensed as an ARNP.  Application forms for DEA numbers may be obtained from the Pharmacy Board website.

ARNPs located in Iowa must register for a Controlled Substance Registration if prescribing controlled substances (up to schedule II). To be eligible to register, ARNPs must hold a current, active license to practice. Visit: Controlled Substance Application.

Iowa Nurse Assistance Program

Information about the Iowa Nurse Assistance Program (INAP) is available here.