California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 4024

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), “dispense” means the furnishing of drugs or devices upon a prescription from a physician, nurse practitioner practicing pursuant to Section 2837.103 or 2837.104, dentist, optometrist, podiatrist, veterinarian, or naturopathic doctor pursuant to Section 3640.7, or upon an order to furnish drugs or transmit a prescription from a certified nurse-midwife, nurse practitioner practicing pursuant to Section 2836.1, physician assistant, naturopathic doctor pursuant to Section 3640.5, or pharmacist acting within the scope of their practice.

(b) “Dispense” also means and refers to the furnishing of drugs or devices directly to a patient by a physician, nurse practitioner practicing pursuant to Section 2837.103 or 2837.104, dentist, optometrist, podiatrist, or veterinarian, or by a certified nurse-midwife, nurse practitioner practicing pursuant to Section 2836.1, naturopathic doctor, or physician assistant acting within the scope of their practice.