Who has dispensing authority to their own patients in Virginia?

In Virginia, the dispensing authority for healthcare professionals is governed by specific regulations that allow certain licensed practitioners to dispense medications to their own patients. Dentists and veterinarians are among those who have explicit authority to dispense medications directly to patients. This authority is aligned with the nature of their practices, as both dentists and veterinarians often need to provide immediate medications—such as analgesics or antibiotics—in conjunction with their treatment plans.

Dentists are allowed to dispense medications relevant to oral health and dental procedures, ensuring that patients can receive necessary treatments without delays. Similarly, veterinarians can dispense medications needed for the care of animals they treat, often requiring the ability to provide immediate medication that is essential for the health and wellbeing of their patients.

In contrast, while medical doctors and nurses, as well as naturopathic doctors and clinical nurse specialists, may have defined roles in prescribing medications, their dispensing authority can vary significantly based on the specific licensure and regulations that govern their practice. Chiropractic and optometry practices also have limitations regarding direct dispensing. Therefore, the ability of dentists and veterinarians to dispense medications is well-established, making this the correct answer.