Who is authorized to request medication without a safety cap?

The choice that identifies patients as the only individuals authorized to request medication without a safety cap is accurate because federal regulations place the authority to make such requests primarily with the patient. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) guidelines and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations, patients have the option to opt out of child-resistant packaging if they understand the risks and make that request to the pharmacist.

While physicians can write prescriptions for medications that may be filled with non-safety caps, they do not have the authority to request that packaging on behalf of the patient unless the patient has made that request. Pharmacists, likewise, are responsible for adhering to packaging regulations but do not have the right to independently decide to not use safety caps without a request from the patient. Thus, the patient, who bears the responsibility for their own safety, is the primary authority in this situation.

In summary, the correct answer underscores the patient's autonomy in making decisions about medication packaging, reflecting both legal standards and the importance of health care provider-patient communication.