What is the primary purpose of the Ryan Haight Act of 2008?

The primary purpose of the Ryan Haight Act of 2008 is to reduce illegal use of prescription drugs. This legislation was introduced in response to the growing concern regarding the misuse of controlled substances, particularly in the context of online pharmacies and the ease with which individuals could obtain prescriptions without appropriate medical oversight.

The Act requires that any practitioner prescribing controlled substances via the internet must have a legitimate medical relationship with the patient, which includes an in-person medical evaluation or, in certain telemedicine scenarios, adhering to specific regulatory standards. By enforcing these measures, the Act aims to prevent the unauthorized distribution of prescription medications, thereby reducing the potential for abuse and addiction.

In the context of the other options, facilitating online prescription services is not the main goal but rather a regulated aspect of the law; enhancing telemedicine practices is a secondary effect that aligns with proper prescribing protocols; and regulation of over-the-counter medications falls outside the scope of the Act, which specifically targets controlled substance prescriptions.