What professionals can write prescriptions?
Physicians (MD or DO), advanced practice nurses (such as nurse
practitioners, nurse midwives, or certified nurse
anesthesiologists), dentists, podiatrists, & optometrists.
Medical physicians (MD or DO) have full prescriptive authority.
Advanced practice nurses have different levels of prescriptive
authority that varies state to state. Depending on the state, other
non-MD/DO physicians may have varied limitations to their
prescriptive authority. Some states allow chiropractors
prescriptive authority for over the counter medications and are
considering limited prescriptive authority for legend medication.
In the case of animal patients, doctor's of veterinary medicine may
prescribe &/or dispense medication.