HB82 Summary

• Authorizes licensed pharmacists in Alabama to dispense substitute biological products identified as interchangeable or therapeutically equivalent by the federal Food and Drug Administration without express permission from the prescriber.

• Adds definition of "Interchangeable Biological Product" to Alabama pharmacy law, referencing FDA standards under 42 U.S.C. §262(k)(4) and the FDA's Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations.

• Requires pharmacists to inform patients of any biological product substitution and to record the specific biological product name and manufacturer on the prescription form.

• Mandates pharmacists notify the prescriber within five business days of dispensing a biological product substitution through electronic medical records, e-prescribing systems, pharmacy benefit management systems, or pharmacy records.

• Requires the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy to maintain a website link to the current list of all FDA-approved interchangeable biological products; violation of provisions carries a fine up to $1,000.