HB33 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ron Johnson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Prescription drugs, pharmacists, dispensing of generic drugs further provided for, specified prescription form deleted, provision prohibiting prescription of specific brand drug deleted, Sec. 34-23-8 am'd.

Summary

HB 33 would let pharmacists substitute brand-name drugs with cheaper generic equivalents by default (unless the prescriber objects) and remove the two-signature written prescription and oral prescription requirements.

What This Bill Does

It would allow pharmacists to substitute either the brand-name drug prescribed or a less expensive generic drug with the same active ingredients and dosage form, unless the prescriber expressly prohibits substitution. Substitution would apply to prescriptions from both in-state and out-of-state practitioners, and pharmacists would be required to document the substitution and record the drug's manufacturer. The bill would delete the requirement for two signature lines on written prescriptions and the rule that an oral prescription must indicate whether substitution is allowed. Violations would still be subject to a fine of up to $1,000.

Who It Affects

• Patients who receive prescriptions in Alabama may pay less when a cheaper generic is substituted, unless the prescriber restricts substitution.
• Pharmacists and physicians: pharmacists gain authority to substitute generics by default (with prescriber permission to opt out); prescribers can prohibit substitutions; substitutions from out-of-state prescriptions are included; and pharmacists must document substitutions.

Key Provisions

• Permits pharmacists to substitute a less expensive pharmaceutically and therapeutically equivalent generic drug or the prescribed brand-name drug by default, including substitutions for out-of-state prescribers, unless the prescriber expressly prohibits substitution; requires recording the drug name and manufacturer on the prescription.
• Repeals the two-signature requirement for written prescriptions and the requirement that an oral prescription indicate whether substitution is permitted; maintains labeling, documentation, and penalties (fine up to $1,000) for violations.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health