National evaluation of prescriber drug dispensing.

Objective: To describe the legal, professional, and consumer status of prescribers dispensing legend and over-the-counter drugs in the United States.

Methods: Legal and academic databases were searched to identify those states that permit prescribers to dispense medications to patients and any limitations on such practice. In addition, prescribers and patients-consumers were surveyed to learn about the prevalence and perceptions of such practice.