HB 857 Summary

• Restructures requirements for written prescriptions to include: legible printing/typing, prescriber name, drug name and strength, quantity, clear statement of purpose, directions for use, date, and prescriber signature.

• Establishes separate requirements for electronically generated prescriptions, including quantity in numerical format and electronic signature capability as defined in state law.

• Requires controlled substance prescriptions to display quantity in both textual and numerical formats with written-out month, and mandates use of counterfeit-proof prescription pads from department-approved vendors or electronic prescribing.

• Adds requirement that pharmacy container labels include a legible, clear statement of the purpose for which the drug is being prescribed.

• Takes effect July 1, 2012.