The internet provides an easy and often inexpesive way to buy prescription drugs. But the government says, while many online pharmacies are safe places for people to buy medicine, others are not. Today, a Senate committee looked at whether or not those sites should be regulated. NBC's Beverly Kirk has the details.

At some pharmacy sites on-line, getting a prescription drug such as Viagra can be as simple as filling out a questionnaire, and providing a credit card number. No prescription. No problem.

Testifying before a senate committee, the Kansas Attorney General explains how a reporter ordered Viagra for a cat.

Carla Stovall/Kansas Attorney General: "Put her last name in, made up some height and weight, and when it asked for prior surgeries, indicated in December of 1988 'neutered.' And yet ordered Viagra for that 'patient' and received it."

It's that kind of website that has some on Capitol Hill wondering if on-line pharmacies need some type of federal regulation.

Sen. Christopher Dodd/(D) Connecticut: "Too often we assume that simply because a business has a website, it must be legitimate."

The Food and Drug Administration says not all internet pharmacies are questionable. In fact many require verification of prescriptions by your doctor.

A White House proposal calls for certifying online pharmacies to make sure they comply with all federal and state laws. The industry says educating consumers is key.

Peter Neupert/Pres. and CEO, Drugstore.com: "They're going to use the web for what it's good for - and avoid those places where they could harm their health. And I think that's the best outcome."

Meantime, the FDA says many of the questionable websites are based outside the United States and are beyond the control of American authorities.