What words are prohibited for non-pharmacy businesses to use in relation to their services?

The term "drugs" is specifically prohibited for non-pharmacy businesses to use in relation to their services because it is a term that is closely tied to the practice of pharmacy and the regulation of prescription medications. The term "drugs" implies the handling, distribution, or prescribing of medications, which is a regulated activity that only licensed pharmacies and professionals can legally engage in.

In Minnesota, as well as in many other jurisdictions, using the term "drugs" in a commercial context by a non-pharmacy entity could create confusion regarding what services are being provided and mislead consumers into believing that those entities are licensed to dispense or provide medications. This regulatory measure is in place to protect public health and safety by ensuring that only qualified and properly licensed professionals are involved in the provision of drug-related services.

Alternative terms like "health products" may not carry the same implications and can be used more broadly by non-pharmacy businesses to refer to health-related items without infringing on the specific regulatory definitions associated with pharmaceuticals. Therefore, the restrictions on using "drugs" help maintain clear boundaries between the roles of pharmacies and other entities in the healthcare system.