Names first. Public records next.
Who is responsible for my care?
Ask for the person making the prescribing decision and the pharmacy filling the prescription. Treat those as separate questions. A service name alone does not answer either one.
Check a doctor’s public record
State medical boards make doctors’ licence records and discipline records public; discipline means action taken against a doctor.
You can reach state medical boards through a directory from the Federation of State Medical Boards.
A nurse practitioner is a nurse whose work can include checking health problems and prescribing medicines.
Treating patients and prescribing medicines can be part of a physician assistant’s work as a health professional.
As of September 26, 2026, each state has its own rules about when these professionals must work with a doctor.
Ask which state board keeps the licence record for the person treating you. Use their full name and licence number to search.
Check the pharmacy that fills it
The U.S. agency called the Food and Drug Administration reviews medicines; FDA is its short name.
FDA’s pharmacy lookup page links to each state’s licence search. As of September 17, 2026, FDA advises against using an online pharmacy unless it appears on the state’s licence list.
Ask
Which pharmacy will fill my prescription?
Match the name you receive to the public record.
Look beyond a badge
FDA registration means a business is listed in FDA’s records. As of September 26, 2026, FDA approval of the business or its medicine does not follow from that listing. FDA does not approve doctors’ offices or laboratories.
Ask
Can you show the public record behind that claim?
Choose the setting after the checks
Ask an in-person clinic or licensed telehealth service how the visit will work. Telehealth is care through an online exchange, a phone call or video.