SB88 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 88 would require electronic prescriptions to indicate whether a generic drug may be dispensed, extending substitution rules to electronic orders in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 34-23-8 to require electronic prescriptions to state if a cheaper, therapeutically equivalent generic may be dispensed. It retains current substitution rules that allow pharmacists to substitute generics when authorized by the prescriber or under certain out-of-state conditions, and requires recording and labeling of the actual product dispensed. It also specifies that oral or electronic prescriptions must instruct the pharmacist about substitution and that violations can result in fines.

Who It Affects

• Licensed pharmacists in Alabama would determine and document when a generic substitution is allowed, ensure the substituted product is properly recorded and labeled, and follow electronic substitution instructions.
• Practitioners (physicians and other prescribers) would need to indicate on electronic prescriptions whether a generic substitution is permitted, aligning with existing substitution rules for written prescriptions.

Key Provisions

• Electronic prescriptions must specify whether a generic drug product may be dispensed.
• Pharmacists may substitute a less expensive generic if the prescriber authorizes it or as allowed for out-of-state prescribers, with proper record-keeping of the drug name and manufacturer.
• For written prescriptions, two signature lines and related instructions remain, while oral or electronic prescriptions must instruct the pharmacist about substitution.
• The pharmacist must label the dispensing container with the actual drug product dispensed and the manufacturer.
• 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