Which of the following is NOT considered a controlled substance prescriber in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a controlled substance prescriber is generally defined as a licensed practitioner who has the authority to prescribe medications classified as controlled substances. Physicians, dentists, and podiatrists all hold professional licenses that allow them to prescribe controlled substances as part of their scope of practice.

Pharmacists, on the other hand, do not typically have prescribing authority. While pharmacists can dispense controlled substances based on prescriptions from qualified prescribers, they do not prescribe these medications themselves. Their role primarily involves the preparation and distribution of medications, ensuring their safe and effective use, including counseling patients about medication therapy.

This distinction is crucial in understanding the different roles within the healthcare system and the specific regulations that govern prescriptive authority in North Carolina.