Who can legally prescribe controlled substances?

The option indicating that licensed healthcare providers such as physicians and nurse practitioners can legally prescribe controlled substances is accurate because these professionals have completed the necessary education and training to assess patient needs and determine appropriate treatment options, including the use of controlled medications.

Physicians hold medical degrees and have extensive training in pharmacology, enabling them to prescribe a range of medications, including those classified as controlled substances. Nurse practitioners, who are advanced practice registered nurses, also receive specialized training that allows them to evaluate patients and prescribe medications, depending on their state regulations.

In contrast, the other choices do not provide a comprehensive overview of who is authorized to prescribe controlled substances. While it may be true that only physicians can prescribe controlled substances in some contexts, the broader scope includes nurse practitioners, reinforcing the importance of recognizing various licensed healthcare providers in the prescribing process. Pharmacists, while integral in medication management and patient safety, do not usually have the authority to prescribe controlled substances unless they have obtained additional qualifications or are working under specific collaborative practice agreements. The option stating "all healthcare professionals" is inaccurate since not everyone in the healthcare field has prescribing authority; this is limited to those who have obtained the necessary licenses and qualifications.