Final answer:
West Virginia law mandates that generic drugs must be dispensed when available to help manage healthcare costs and ensure medication is affordable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The law in West Virginia (WV) stipulates that generic drugs must be dispensed if they are available. This requirement is in place to ensure that individuals are able to receive medication at a lower cost without compromising the quality or efficacy of the drugs. The WV law reflects a wider practice known as generic substitution, which is common in many states to help manage healthcare costs. Pharmacists are usually required to provide the generic version of a medication unless the prescription specifies that a brand name drug is necessary or the patient requests the brand name.