Washington Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence MPJE Practice Exam

How may a pharmacist substitute a prescription in WA?

1. Shall substitute unless patient requests otherwise

2. Only if the medication is out of stock

3. Substitution is not allowed

4. Only with prior notification to the prescriber

The correct answer is: Shall substitute unless patient requests otherwise

In Washington state, a pharmacist is legally able to substitute a prescription medication with an equivalent medication unless the patient specifically requests otherwise. This is known as the "mandatory generic substitution" law. Option B is incorrect because it implies that substitution is only allowed when the medication is out of stock, which is not the case in Washington state. Option C is also incorrect as substitution is allowed in Washington state. Option D is incorrect because while notifying the prescriber is recommended, it is not required for substitution to occur in Washington state.