What must be included in a prescription to allow for product selection for non-Medicaid patients?

For a prescription to permit product selection for non-Medicaid patients, it is essential that it includes a phrase indicating substitution. This phrase, often expressed as "may substitute," authorizes the pharmacist to select a generic or alternative medication when filling the prescription. This practice encourages the use of cost-effective medication options while ensuring that the prescribing physician is aware of and agrees to the substitution based on the patient's specific needs.

In many states, including Virginia, the law facilitates this process, and the presence of such a phrase is crucial for compliance with regulations that govern drug dispensing. Without it, a pharmacist may be legally restricted from opting for a lower-cost alternative, which can hinder patient access to affordable medications.

While the other options have their own significance in the context of prescriptions, they do not specifically address the requirement for allowing product selection. For example, a brand name only does not imply permission for substitution; a handwritten approval could be relevant in some contexts but is not universally required; and a practitioner’s license number, while necessary on a prescription for valid identification, does not pertain directly to product selection.