Final answer:
A licensed health professional authorized by law to dispense prescription medications is a pharmacist. Pharmacists hold a doctorate in pharmacy and must have a deep understanding of chemistry and biology to guide patients and healthcare professionals regarding medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individual licensed to dispense prescription medications is a pharmacist. A pharmacist is a highly trained health professional who has completed a doctorate in pharmacy, often involving four years of specialized education after undergraduate studies. Pharmacists must be well-versed in chemistry and biology to understand the effects of drugs on the human body. This knowledge allows them to assist doctors with medication selection, dosage, and to manage potential interactions or side effects. They also play a key role in advising patients on how to take their medications correctly.
Pharmacists are commonly found in various settings, including drugstores, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. While other roles within a pharmacy such as pharmacy owners, pharmacy technologists, or pharmacy technicians contribute to pharmacy operations, it is the pharmacist who carries the authority and license to dispense medications.