South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

What does a right signature line indicate on a prescription?

1. Dispense as written

2. Substitution permitted

3. Prior authorization required

4. No refills allowed

The correct answer is: Substitution permitted

The presence of a right signature line on a prescription typically signifies that substitution is permitted. This means that a pharmacist is allowed to dispense a generic equivalent or an alternative medication instead of the brand name specified, if one is available and deemed appropriate. In many states, the right signature line serves as a mechanism for the prescriber to grant the pharmacist the authority to choose a different option that is therapeutically equivalent and potentially more cost-effective for the patient. This can help improve medication accessibility and reduce costs, making it an important aspect of pharmaceutical practice. This understanding also ties into broader concepts in pharmacy regarding patient care and medication management, where the choice of medication, whether brand or generic, can significantly impact patient outcomes and adherence to therapy.