Washington § 69.41.120 - Prescriptions to contain instruction as to whether or not a therapeutically equivalent generic drug or interchangeable biological product may be substituted — Out-of-state prescriptions — Form — Contents — Procedure.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 69.41.120 — Prescriptions to contain instruction as to whether or not a therapeutically equivalent generic drug or interchangeable biological product may be substituted — Out-of-state prescriptions — Form — Contents — Procedure., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 69.41.120. Prescriptions to contain instruction as to whether or not a therapeutically equivalent generic drug or interchangeable biological product may be substituted — Out-of-state prescriptions — Form — Contents — Procedure.

(1) Every drug prescription shall contain an instruction on whether or not a therapeutically equivalent generic drug or interchangeable biological product may be substituted in its place, unless substitution is permitted under a prior-consent authorization.
If a written prescription is involved, the prescription must be legible and the form shall have two signature lines at opposite ends on the bottom of the form. Under the line at the right side shall be clearly printed the words "DISPENSE AS WRITTEN." Under the line at the left side shall be clearly printed the words "SUBSTITUTION PERMITTED." The practitioner shall communicate the instructions to the pharmacist by signing the appropriate line. No prescription shall be valid without the signature of the practitioner on one of these lines. In the case of a prescription issued by a practitioner in another state that uses a one-line prescription form or variation thereof, the pharmacist may substitute a therapeutically equivalent generic drug or interchangeable biological product unless otherwise instructed by the practitioner through the use of the words "dispense as written," words of similar meaning, or some other indication.
(2) If an oral prescription is involved, the practitioner or the practitioner's agent shall instruct the pharmacist as to whether or not a therapeutically equivalent generic drug or interchangeable biological product may be substituted in its place. The pharmacist shall note the instructions on the file copy of the prescription.
(3) The pharmacist shall note the manufacturer of the drug dispensed on the file copy of a written or oral prescription.
(4) The pharmacist shall retain the file copy of a written or oral prescription for the same period of time specified in RCW 18.64.245 for retention of prescription records.
[ 2015 c 242 s 2; 2000 c 8 s 3; 1990 c 218 s 1; 1979 c 110 s 2; 1977 ex.s. c 352 s 3.]

Notes

Findings—Intent—2000 c 8: See note following RCW 69.41.010.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 69.41.120

What does Revised Code of Washington § 69.41.120 cover?

Section 69.41.120 ("Prescriptions to contain instruction as to whether or not a therapeutically equivalent generic drug or interchangeable biological product may be substituted — Out-of-state prescriptions — Form — Contents — Procedure.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 69.41.120?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 69.41.120" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 69.41.120 apply to my situation?

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