Tennessee
PMHNP Practice Requirements in Tennessee: Scope, Prescribing & Collaboration
If you are a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) planning to practice in Tennessee, here is a plain-language overview of the state’s practice-authority category, any collaboration required, and how those rules shape your billing and credentialing. General information, not legal advice.
Reviewed by Ryan Berg · Updated July 2026
Please Read First
Informational only, not legal advice. Requirements change, so verify with the Tennessee Board of Nursing and the AANP State Practice Environment map. Last reviewed: July 2026. This page focuses on PMHNPs but reflects general nurse practitioner rules in Tennessee, which change over time, so confirm your specific situation with the board.
Practice Authority
Tennessee Practice-Authority Category (Restricted Practice)
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) currently classifies Tennessee as a restricted practice state. In practice, a Tennessee PMHNP is not authorized to practice fully independent of a physician relationship and generally requires career-long supervision, delegation, or a collaborative agreement for at least one element of practice. Because these designations can change, confirm the current category directly with the Tennessee Board of Nursing and the AANP map before you rely on it.
Collaboration
Is a Collaborative or Supervisory Agreement Required?
Tennessee generally requires supervision by, delegation from, or a collaborative agreement with a physician before a nurse practitioner provides the full scope of care. What any agreement must contain, how it is documented, and how often it is reviewed are set by state rule and can change, so confirm the current requirements and forms with the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
Prescriptive Authority
Prescriptive Authority and Controlled Substances
Tennessee nurse practitioners who meet the state’s requirements may be granted prescriptive authority, which in general can extend to controlled substances when the appropriate conditions are met. Controlled-substance prescribing also requires a separate federal DEA registration, and some substances carry additional conditions. Because the specific scope and documentation are governed by state law and board rule, verify current details with the Tennessee Board of Nursing and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration before prescribing.
Next Step
Credentialing Is a Separate Track
Scope of practice decides how you can practice in Tennessee. Getting paid is a separate track, with its own payer rules, Medicaid program, and enrollment timelines. We cover that in detail on the Tennessee credentialing and payer enrollment page, and nationally in our PMHNP credentialing guide.
Building something new? Our guide on how to start a PMHNP practice helps you sequence licensure, collaboration, and enrollment in the right order.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tennessee a full practice authority state for PMHNPs?
No. AANP currently classifies Tennessee as a restricted practice state, meaning Tennessee NPs require career-long supervision or a collaborative agreement for at least some functions. Confirm the current category with the Tennessee Board of Nursing and the AANP map.
Do I need a collaborating or supervising physician in Tennessee?
Generally yes. Tennessee typically requires supervision or a collaborative agreement with a physician. Verify current requirements with the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
Can a PMHNP prescribe controlled substances in Tennessee?
NPs who meet state requirements may be granted prescriptive authority that can include controlled substances, but a separate DEA registration is required and conditions apply. Verify with the Tennessee Board of Nursing and the DEA.