As used in this section and sections 20-14d to 20-14g, inclusive, and § 20-12d:

(1) “Dispense” has the same meaning as provided in § 20-571.

(2) “Drug” means a legend drug, as defined in § 20-571, or a controlled drug, as defined in § 21a-240.

(3) “Prescribing practitioner” means a physician, dentist, podiatrist, optometrist, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, nurse-midwife or veterinarian licensed by the state of Connecticut and authorized to prescribe medication within the scope of such person’s practice.

(4) “Professional samples” means complimentary starter dose drugs packaged in accordance with federal and state statutes and regulations that are provided to a prescribing practitioner free of charge by a manufacturer or distributor and distributed free of charge by the prescribing practitioner to such prescribing practitioner’s patients.