NP Scope of Practice Series: Kentucky

Generally, Kentucky is more restrictive for NPs than other states. The state dictates the majority of scope requirements. Yet Kentucky considers NPs as primary healthcare providers. Most states allow this, but regardless, this gives NPs the opportunity to practice independently.

This works well for facilities because it takes pressure off the physicians. While also providing NPs with more responsibility they might not get in other states. This allows more patients to receive the care they need.

Nurse practitioners are a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). The restrictions on NPs may differ from the restrictions on APRNs. Here’s our guide on the top nurse practitioner specialties.

To prepare for your potential assignment in Kentucky, we have provided everything you need to know. This includes information about the state-specific NP scope of practice laws.

Can Nurse Practitioners Practice Independently in Kentucky?

NPs in Kentucky are independent practitioners who can practice without physician oversight. But this only applies for non-prescribing activities. NPs cannot prescribe medications without the a supervising physician. They can practice independently but Kentucky nurse practitioners do not have full practice authority.

They have reduced practice authority because of state laws. Physicians and NPs must enter a collaborative agreement for one or more elements of NP practice.

• The collaborative agreement highlights the situations in which NPs can practice.

The Kentucky Board of Nursing regulates nurses and their practice as well. If you are looking for full practice authority states, check out our interactive NP scope of practice law guide.

Medical Staff Membership: Restricted

NPs are eligible for medical staff membership to a certain degree. The discretion of the hospital and their requirements for medical staff membership dictates whether or not they allow NPs.

Primary Care Provider: Full

State statutes and/or Administrative Code recognizes nurse practitioners as primary care providers.

• This allows the NP to see more consistent patients and takes the workload off the physician(s).
• Yet they do not have full practice authority and require a collaborative agreement with a physician.

Nurse Practitioner Salary: $110,370

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the annual mean wage for nurse practitioners was $110,370 as of May 2023.

Independently Prescribe Schedule II Drugs: Reduced

An NP’s ability to prescribe certain drugs in Kentucky depends on their relationship with the collaborating physician. With a KASPER account, NPs may prescribe controlled substances in 30-day amounts, so they cannot prescribe in the long-term.

But in general, NPs cannot independently prescribe Schedule II drugs for more than a 72-hour supply. They do not have full prescriptive authority unless they engage in educational programs and become an APRN.

Order Physical Therapy: No Law

State law doesn’t specify whether NPs can make referrals for physical therapy.

Sign Death Certificates: Full

NPs can sign death certificates in Kentucky. The state legislature enacted Statute KRS 213.076 in 2016. It permits both APRNs and NPs to sign death certificates.

Sign Disabled Person Placard Forms: Full

Nurse practitioners can sign disabled person placard forms.

• According to the AANP, “NPs know the challenges and frustrations of bureaucratic paperwork delays. Recognizing NP signatures on forms reduces costs and promotes efficient, timely care, and patient choice.”

POLST/POST/MOLST/MOST/COLST: Restricted

NPs are unauthorized to sign the MOST form in Kentucky.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally written by Chris Keeley in March 2020. It was updated by Desirae Sin in May 2024 to reflect current information.

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