Final answer:
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications do not require a healthcare provider's approval for refills, unlike prescription drugs which need a provider's approval for each refill.
Step-by-step explanation:
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications do not require a healthcare provider's approval for refills. These medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, are available without a prescription because they have been deemed safe enough for use without a medical practitioner's supervision by the FDA. OTC drugs include a variety of products, and many of these ingredients were once available only by prescription but have since been approved for OTC use. Prescription drugs, on the other hand, do require a healthcare provider's approval for each refill as they may have a higher risk of side effects, require monitoring, or potential for misuse.