What is the nurse’s role in distributing sample medications to a patient?

In accordance to the Alabama Nurse Practice Act Section 21-21-1, the Professional Nurse and the Licensed Practical Nurse administer medications prescribed by the licensed or otherwise authorized physician or dentist.  If there is a physician’s order and the pre-packaged sample has been appropriately labeled with the name of medication, strength per dosage unit, directions for use and physician’s name, the nurse may hand the properly labeled packaged medication to the patient.