​Nursing laws do not provide that an APRN may dispense prescriptions in the manner of a pharmacist. “Dispensing" for a nurse is specifically defined in KRS 314.011(17) and KRS 315.010(9), as it relates to legend and scheduled drugs. By law, a pharmacist and a physician have virtually unlimited authority to dispense legend and controlled medications. See KRS 315.010(9), and KRS 315.040(6). Regardless, an APRN may only dispense labeled pharmaceutical legend medications if they are 1) samples; or 2) if they are from a local, district, and independent health department. Other than these specific exceptions, APRNs do not have the legal authority to dispense medications. ​​​​