Who may counsel a patient regarding medication?

In the context of medication counseling, both licensed pharmacists and pharmacy interns are qualified to provide this service. A licensed pharmacist is a healthcare professional with the necessary education, training, and legal authority to counsel patients about their medications, including benefits, risks, adverse effects, and proper usage. This counseling is a critical aspect of patient care, aimed at maximizing therapeutic outcomes and ensuring patient safety.

Pharmacy interns, who are students in a pharmacy program often nearing graduation, are also permitted to counsel patients under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. They are typically trained in pharmacology, drug interactions, and counseling techniques, allowing them to provide accurate and useful information to patients as part of their practical training.

On the other hand, pharmacy technicians are not authorized to provide medication counseling. Their role primarily involves supporting pharmacists with tasks such as medication dispensing, inventory management, and administrative duties, but they do not have the appropriate training or licensure to engage in counseling about medications.

Therefore, the correct response encompasses both licensed pharmacists and pharmacy interns, highlighting their roles in patient medication counseling while excluding pharmacy technicians from this responsibility.