Illinois Nursing Home Administrators (NHA) Practice Exam

Which of the following health professionals is not a licensed prescriber?

1. Pharmacist

2. Podiatrist

3. Dentist

4. Advanced practice nurse

The correct answer is: Dentist

The role of a dentist primarily focuses on oral health, including the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dental conditions. Dentists are licensed to practice within their scope, which includes the ability to prescribe medications relevant to their field, such as pain relief or antibiotics for dental infections. In contrast, the other professionals mentioned—pharmacists, podiatrists, and advanced practice nurses—each have distinct prescribing capabilities under their respective licenses. Pharmacists are trained to dispense medications and may have collaborative agreements that allow them to initiate prescriptions. Podiatrists, specializing in foot and ankle care, have prescriptive authority to treat conditions affecting the lower extremities. Advanced practice nurses, who often have a master's or doctoral degree, can prescribe medications as part of their expanded practice role. Thus, while all the other professionals listed have the authority to prescribe medications within their scope of practice, dentists are included in that group as licensed prescribers and are thus not a correct choice for the question.