HB69 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Arnold MooneyRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Prescriptions, practitioner, electronic prescription specify whether a generic may be dispensed, Sec. 34-23-8 am'd.
Summary: HB 69 requires electronic prescriptions to clearly state whether a generic substitution is allowed when dispensing the prescribed drug.
What This Bill Does
The bill amends Section 34-23-8 to require electronic prescriptions to instruct whether a less expensive generic drug may be dispensed. It maintains current rules for brand-name vs generic substitutions and adds specific instructions for how prescriptions communicate substitution permissions, plus documentation and labeling requirements. It also sets penalties for violations and specifies how and when the new rules take effect.

Who It Affects
Licensed practitioners (physicians and other prescribers) who issue prescriptions, who must indicate on electronic prescriptions whether a generic substitution is permitted and, for written prescriptions, use the prescribed signature lines to communicate substitution instructions.
Licensed pharmacists in Alabama who dispense medications, who must follow the substitution instructions, record the drug product and manufacturer, and ensure proper labeling and documentation, with penalties for noncompliance.

Key Provisions
Electronic prescriptions must instruct whether a less expensive pharmaceutically and therapeutically equivalent generic product may be dispensed.
Written prescriptions must include two signature lines: one for 'dispense as written' and one for 'product selection permitted,' indicating the pharmacist's or practitioner's instruction.
Oral or electronic prescriptions (including e-fax) must explicitly instruct whether a generic substitution may be dispensed, with the pharmacist recording this information and retaining copies as required by law.
Prescriptions must indicate the actual drug product dispensed on the label, including brand or generic name and the manufacturer.
Pharmacists must record the drug’s manufacturer or distributor and the prescription must comply with substitution rules; violations can result in fines up to $1,000.
The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after it is enacted.

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