At the onset of the patient relationship, what must the licensee advise the patient?

• A. That they are a medical doctor
• B. That they are not a medical doctor
• C. That they can diagnose medical conditions
• D. That they can prescribe medications

Answer: (B)

The important idea is to establish clear boundaries about what the licensee can do and what they cannot. At the start of the patient relationship, the licensee should state that they are not a medical doctor. This clarifies that diagnosing medical conditions or prescribing medications is beyond the licensee’s authority and scope of practice. Making this disclosure helps the patient understand when to seek medical evaluation from a physician and prevents any mistaken impression that the licensee has medical or prescriptive powers. It also protects the licensee from implying medical credentials they do not possess.