SB241 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Larry StuttsSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Prescriptions, practitioner, electronic prescription specify whether a generic may be dispensed, Sec. 34-23-8 am'd.

Summary

SB 241 would require electronic prescriptions to indicate whether a generic may be dispensed and clarifies substitution rules for pharmacists and prescribers.

What This Bill Does

It amends the prescription law to require electronic prescriptions to carry a generic substitution instruction. It preserves the two-signature requirement for written prescriptions and lets pharmacists substitute a cheaper equivalent when the prescriber authorizes it, including out-of-state scenarios. It requires recording the substituted drug's name and manufacturer, and labeling dispensed drugs with the actual product dispensed. It also sets penalties for violations and specifies when the act takes effect.

Who It Affects

• Pharmacists in Alabama would need to follow the new substitution instructions on electronic prescriptions, record substitutions, and label the dispensed product accordingly (with penalties up to $1,000 for violations).
• Licensed prescribers (doctors and other practitioners) would need to indicate substitution permissions on electronic prescriptions and use the two-signature lines on written prescriptions to communicate substitution choices.

Key Provisions

• Electronic prescriptions must specify whether a generic drug product may be dispensed.
• Written prescriptions must contain two signature lines: 'dispense as written' and 'product selection permitted' to indicate substitution choices.
• Oral or electronic prescriptions must instruct whether a less expensive equivalent may be dispensed; pharmacists must record these instructions and retain the prescription.
• Pharmacists may substitute a less expensive generic if the prescriber authorizes it (or if the out-of-state prescriber does not prohibit it) and must document the drug name and manufacturer.
• Labels must show the actual drug dispensed (brand or generic) and the manufacturer’s name or abbreviation.
• The bill does not prohibit hospital formulary use as adopted by hospital medical staff.
• Violations can result in a fine of up to $1,000.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

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