According to the intent of the Durham-Humphrey Amendment, what aspect does it emphasize?

The Durham-Humphrey Amendment emphasizes safety through qualified medical supervision by distinguishing between prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. This legislation was enacted to ensure that certain drugs could only be dispensed with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, thereby guaranteeing that patients receive proper medical oversight when using medications that may pose greater risks or complexities in their use. The intent was to protect public health by requiring professional judgment in the dispensation of medications that need careful monitoring or are considered potentially harmful without proper guidance. This helps to ensure safe usage and mitigates the risks associated with self-medication of more dangerous substances. By focusing on the necessity of a prescription for certain drugs, the amendment reinforces the importance of professional medical supervision in the management of healthcare.