Advances in psychopharmacology research has opened the door for use of novel drugs for treatment resistant disorders including ketamine, psylocibin, and
marijuana. Recently there has been a rapid increase in Ketamine Infusion clinics, specifically for treatment resistant depression (TRD), since its FDA approval
in 2019. Ketamine is a highly controlled substance that can induce significant central nervous system (CNS) depression and therefore carries many risks for
those willing to provide these types of therapy. Medical providers, more specifically nurse practitioners, face high risk of litigation related to adverse drug
reactions and negative effects from prescribed treatments. Prudent nurse practitioners can protect themselves by ensuring they are fully informed regarding
the legalities, expectations, and potential ramifications of practice.
Read the attached articles regarding legal considerations for ketamine treatment centers. Considering this information, as a future psychiatric mental health
nurse practitioner, what requirements, licensing, credentialing, and precautions would you need in place prior to prescribing intranasal or infused Ketamine?
Be sure to consider aspects of practice including federal and state practice requirements, scope of practice limitations, autonomy, and protective documents
like controlled substance contracts. Provide at least one evidence based article reflecting on use of ketamine for patient populations, practice guidelines,
and/or legal considerations for the advanced nurse practitioner. Also support your information with links to state, federal, and informative websites where
you sourced your licensing/credentialing/educational requirements for practice.
Remember to follow discussion directions and grading criteria