Who is permitted to dispense controlled substances without a prescription in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, the authority to dispense controlled substances without a prescription is primarily granted to licensed pharmacists. Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who have undergone extensive education and training, enabling them to understand the pharmaceutical properties of controlled substances, evaluate patient health records, and ensure proper medication management. This encompasses knowing when it is lawful to dispense certain medications under specific circumstances, such as when they are distributing emergency supplies or providing medication under collaborative practice agreements.

Pharmacy technicians and licensed nurses, while important members of the healthcare team, do not have the legal authority to independently dispense controlled substances without a prescription. Although physicians can prescribe controlled substances, they are not dispensers in the context of pharmacy operations. This regulatory framework is designed to ensure patient safety and proper medication use, underscoring the critical role pharmacists play in the healthcare system.