Which professional is licensed to practice medicine and prescribe medications?

A Medical Doctor (MD) is a professional who has completed extensive education and training, including medical school and residency, which qualifies them to practice medicine in a comprehensive manner. They possess the necessary knowledge to diagnose medical conditions, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications as part of patient care. MDs are considered primary care providers and can specialize in various areas of medicine, providing a range of medical services.

In contrast, while Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Registered Nurses may be involved in patient care and may have the authority to prescribe medications under certain conditions, their scope of practice is different from that of an MD. Nurse Practitioners have advanced training and can prescribe medications, but they often operate within the framework established by their supervising or collaborating physicians. Similarly, Physician Assistants are trained to assist MDs and can also prescribe medications depending on state regulations, but they work under the supervision of a physician. Registered Nurses, on the other hand, focus primarily on patient care and support and do not generally have the authority to prescribe medications.

Thus, the distinction of being fully licensed to practice medicine independently and prescribe medications clearly identifies MDs as the correct answer.