What documentation must an APRN provide to dispense or prescribe?

The correct answer emphasizes the necessity for a certificate from the board of nursing for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) to dispense or prescribe medications. This certificate serves as official documentation that the APRN has met all educational and clinical training requirements, enabling them to operate within their defined scope of practice. The board of nursing ensures that the APRN possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and competencies to safely prescribe and dispense medications.

While completing a residency program can be beneficial for clinical training, it is not a mandated requirement for all APRNs to have completed such a program for dispensing or prescribing. A valid pharmacy license is specific to pharmacists and does not pertain to APRNs, as they are not required to obtain a pharmacy license to dispense medications. Furthermore, a signed agreement with a physician, while it may be part of collaborative practice agreements, is not universally required for all APRNs as regulations can vary by state. Therefore, possessing a certificate from the board of nursing is crucial, as it confirms the APRN's authority and qualifications to engage in prescribing and dispensing activities.