Can DAW be used as an automatic default on electronic prescriptions?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only with patient consent
• D. Not specified

Answer: (B)

Dispense As Written (DAW) is a directive on a prescription that tells the pharmacist to dispense the brand-name medication and not substitute a generic when one is available. In electronic prescriptions, this instruction is meant to be explicit on each prescription rather than a system-wide default. Making DAW an automatic default would apply brand-only across all prescriptions, removing the pharmacist’s ability to substitute generics when appropriate, which can raise costs for patients and conflict with laws or payer policies that encourage generic substitution. Because substitution rules depend on the drug, coverage, and local regulations, e-prescribing systems require DAW to be chosen for each prescription if needed. So, it cannot be used as an automatic default.