​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. ​​​​