Final answer:
A person must be licensed in their state to legally use the title "Registered Pharmacist" or "RPh". Pharmacists require a doctorate in pharmacy and licensure ensures they meet educational and professional standards. The FDA's regulation of drugs ensures safety but can delay access to new treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Indeed, a person may not use the title of "Registered Pharmacist" or "RPh" or similar words unless they are licensed to practice pharmacy in the state. This licensure ensures that the individual has met all the necessary educational and professional standards to safely dispense prescribed drugs and provide essential information on their correct usage. Becoming a pharmacist requires a significant educational commitment, including obtaining a doctorate in pharmacy from a specialty pharmacy school and having a deep understanding of subjects like chemistry and biology, which are crucial for advising on drug interactions and effects.
The role of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to regulate medicines to ensure safety and efficacy. While this protects the public from unsafe drugs, the losers in this system could be viewed as patients who need access to new treatments that are delayed due to the extensive and sometimes lengthy drug testing and approval processes.