SB467 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg J. Reed

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Prescription drugs, electronically generated, requirements and regulations established

Summary

This bill would regulate electronically generated prescriptions by standardizing required data, restricting software-driven influence on prescribing, and protecting patient pharmacy choice.

What This Bill Does

Requires electronic prescriptions to include: patient name, drug name/strength/quantity, directions including product selection permitted and dispense as written, prescriber name, date, and electronic signature. Prohibits software used to generate e-prescriptions from using advertising, instant messaging, pop-ups, or similar tactics to influence prescribing at the point of care, with a limited exception for information about generic alternatives. Allows software to display information about a payor's formulary, co-pay, or benefit plan as long as it does not hinder the selection of a particular pharmacy or drug. Affirms that patients retain the freedom to choose any pharmacy, and sets an effective date for the act.

Who It Affects

• Patients receiving electronically generated prescriptions, who will receive standardized prescription information and retain the ability to choose any pharmacy.
• Prescribers, pharmacies, and prescription software vendors, who must include required data in e-prescriptions and follow restrictions on promotional tactics, with potential display of formulary/benefit information.

Key Provisions

• Section 1: Electronically generated prescriptions must contain patient name, drug name/strength/quantity, directions (including product selection permitted and dispense as written), prescriber's name, date, and electronic signature.
• Section 2: Prescription-generating software may not use advertising, instant messaging, pop-ups, or other means to influence prescribing decisions at the point of care, with a limited allowance for generic-equivalent drug information.
• Section 3: Software may show payor formulary, co-payment, or benefit plan information, provided it does not preclude or unduly hinder choosing a particular pharmacy or drug.
• Section 4: The act does not limit a patient's right to choose any pharmacy.
• Section 5: The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and Governor approval (or upon becoming law).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Prescription Drugs