What distinction did the Durham-Humphrey Amendment establish?

The Durham-Humphrey Amendment, enacted in 1951, primarily established a significant distinction between prescription and non-prescription drugs. This amendment was a crucial development in the regulation of pharmaceuticals, as it recognized that certain medications require a healthcare provider's supervision to ensure their safe and effective use, while others can be safely used without a prescription.

By defining prescription medications as those that can only be dispensed with a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional, the amendment aimed to ensure patient safety and appropriate drug use. This regulation allows for more controlled access to medications that may have higher risks or more complex dosing requirements, contributing to better management of patient health outcomes.

The other options refer to different regulatory concerns that are addressed by other laws or amendments. The distinction between generic and brand-name drugs relates to market competition and patent issues, while controlled and uncontrolled substances involve classifications based on potential for abuse. Legal and illegal drugs involve broader legal status considerations that encompass various laws outside of the scope established by the Durham-Humphrey Amendment.