HB69 Summary

• Amends Section 34-23-8 of the Alabama Code to require electronic prescriptions from practitioners to specify whether generic drugs may be dispensed.

• Written prescriptions must contain two signature lines: one for "dispense as written" (brand name only) and one for "product selection permitted" (allowing generic substitution).

• Oral and electronic prescriptions, including e-faxes, must instruct the pharmacist whether a less expensive pharmaceutically and therapeutically equivalent drug product may be dispensed, with instructions noted on the prescription file copy.

• Prohibits the State Board of Pharmacy from promulgating rules or regulations affecting these prescription instruction requirements.

• Establishes a penalty of up to $1,000 fine for violations and makes the act effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval.