Who is legally allowed to write prescriptions?

The correct choice is rooted in the legal framework governing prescription practices. Licensed healthcare professionals such as physicians and nurse practitioners possess the necessary training and credentials to evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, and determine appropriate treatment plans, including the prescribing of medications. Their education ensures they understand the pharmacology involved and the potential interactions and contraindications of various drugs.

Pharmacists, while essential in the medication management process, do not typically have the authority to write prescriptions unless they have advanced credentials and specific legislative allowances that differ by jurisdiction. Similarly, while the term "any healthcare worker" might suggest a broad range of professionals could write prescriptions, only those with specific licensing and training related to pharmaceutical care are permitted to do so. The same limitation applies to physicians alone; although they have the authority to prescribe, they are not the only licensed professionals allowed to do so. Therefore, only licensed healthcare professionals like physicians and nurse practitioners can legally write prescriptions, reflecting the intersection of their education, training, and the regulatory environment designed to ensure patient safety.