Who is responsible for prescribing what medication to use?

The responsibility for prescribing medication typically falls to licensed healthcare providers, such as doctors or physician assistants. These professionals have the required education, training, and legal authority to assess a patient’s needs, diagnose conditions, and determine appropriate treatment regimens, which include prescribing medications. They conduct thorough evaluations to ensure that the chosen medications align with the patient's overall health plan, making them integral in managing treatment.

While pharmacists play a critical role in dispensing medications and providing medication management advice, they do not have the authority to prescribe medications. Registered nurses can administer medications as directed by a healthcare provider but are not authorized to prescribe. Certified assistants, depending on their qualifications and the regulations in their specific setting, typically do not hold the authority to prescribe medication at all. Thus, the licensed healthcare provider is the correct answer as they hold the appropriate credentials to take on this responsibility.