Prescriptive Authority FAQ

KBML and DEA

Effective July 15^th 2020, House Bill 135 takes effect in Kentucky, which allows prescriptive authority for Physician Assistants for Schedule III through V controlled substances provided that certain criteria are met beforehand.

The Physician Assistant (PA) must apply for and receive approval from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure to obtain prescriptive authority for Schedule III-V controlled substances.
A PA must have 7.5 hours of CME, approved by the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, relating to controlled substance diversion, pain management, addiction disorders, use of the electronic system for monitoring controlled substances (KASPER), or any combination of two or more of these subjects prior to applying for approval from the KBML. A PA must get this CME every 2 years. A full list of approved CME can be found at https://kbml.ky.gov/cme/Pages/default.aspx.
A PA must have practiced for one year prior to submitting their application to the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure.
A PA may not dispense controlled substances but can order and administer in an in-patient setting to the extent delegated by their supervising physician.
PAs must also obtain a Controlled Substance Registration Certificate through the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and register with KASPER.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has a registration category specifically for PAs, NPs and others (listed as “midlevel practitioners”) who are authorized to prescribe controlled medications by state law or regulation. PAs who prescribe controlled substances must register with the DEA to obtain a registration number. What follows are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and resources regarding DEA registrations as applied to the new Kentucky laws and regulations that allow PAs to prescribe these medications.

APPLICATION FOR PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY

When can I start to write for controlled medications?

July 15th is the date in which the new legislation allowing PAs to write for controlled substances goes into action. But, before prescribing controlled substances you must apply to the KBML and get approval, apply and receive your DEA number and also register with KASPER.

What do I need to do so that I can write controlled medications?

What does it mean that the CME must be “HB1 approved”

How do I submit the KBML Supplemental Application?

Do I need to update my supervisory agreement?

What is the estimated turnaround time for approval from the KBML after an application has been sent?

Why do I have to obtain 7.5 hours of CME education regarding controlled substance diversion, pain management, addiction disorders, use of the electronic system for monitoring controlled substances established in KRS 218A.202?

What controlled medications can a PA prescribe?

What are the restrictions on prescribing of these medications?

Can I prescribe Buprenorphine?

What is MAT training?

If I have a DEA license from another state, do I need to apply to KBML for prescriptive authority in KY? Do I need to apply for an additional DEA license if I want to prescribe in KY?

I have finished the process of getting both KBML approval and my DEA license, but my EMR isn’t allowing me to prescribe controlled substances. What should I do?

How often do I need to renew my KBML approval and DEA license?

How do I apply for a DEA Registration?

How long will it take the DEA to process my registration application?

Who can I contact to determine if my application for a DEA registration has been processed?

Why is a DEA registration so expensive?

Where can I find additional DEA resource information and helpful guidance?

KASPER

Effective July 15^th 2020, Kentucky physician assistants authorized to prescribe controlled substances must register to use the KASPER system as required by KRS 218A.202. To obtain a KASPER account, physician assistants must have authorization from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure for controlled substance prescriptive authority, a Kentucky DEA registration and a driver’s license. Follow the steps below.

Step 1. Create a Kentucky Online Gateway (KOG) account

You may already have a KOG account if you have used the Cabinet’s secure portal to access other services such EDRS (Electronic Death Registry System), Vital Statistics or Benefind. If so, go to Step 2 below.

If not, go to https://kog.chfs.ky.gov and create a “Citizen or Business Partner” account. Remember your KOG user name (email) and password! They will be the only login information needed to access KASPER.
After submitting your KOG information you will receive a KOG account activation email. You must activate your KOG account within 4 hours of receipt of the activation email.
If you need assistance, please contact the KOG Help Desk at (502) 564-0104, extension 2 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Step 2. Create your KASPER account application

Sign in to your KOG account, click on All Apps and search (by the letter K) for the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting and click the Enroll link to go to the Account Request Onboarding screen. Do not enter any information in the KASPER User Name/Password fields.
Click on the Request a KASPER Account link at the bottom of the screen and follow the instructions to create your KASPER account application. Please make sure you select the Account Type of Mid-Level Practitioner rather than Prescriber.
If you need assistance, please contact the KASPER Help Desk at (502) 564-2703 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For helpful tips on using KASPER, authorizing delegates or reviewing your prescribing history (Reverse KASPER) visit the KASPER public web site.