Starting October 1, 2009 federal regulations require WIC to obtain more detailed prescriptive instructions from medical providers about which therapeutic formulas and WIC supplemental foods to provide to clients. We have developed new WIC prescription forms to make it easier for medical providers to give WIC staff all the required information.

After October 1st, WIC will accept prescriptions for foods and formula only when written on a WIC prescription form. Prescriptions written on prescription pads will no longer be accepted.

What are the changes?

Currently, when a client needs a therapeutic formula or medical food, WIC requires a prescription or a completed WIC form that:

Identifies the name of the product.
Provides a medical diagnosis.
Indicates how long the prescription is good for (up to a maximum of 6 months).
Provides contact information.
Is signed and dated by a healthcare provider with prescriptive authority.

In addition to the above, WIC will require healthcare providers to prescribe as needed:

The amount of therapeutic formula or medical food needed per day for each product prescribed.
Any regular WIC approved food(s) and their prescribed amounts for medically fragile women and children with qualifying condition(s). Clients who need a therapeutic formula will also be eligible to receive any WIC approved supplemental foods, including milk.
For children: cheese (beyond 1 pound per month), tofu and/or soy beverage in lieu of milk.
For women: cheese (beyond 1-3 pounds per month) and/or more than 4-6 pounds of tofu/month in lieu of milk. Amounts vary depending on if the woman is pregnant or how much she is breastfeeding. Women do not need a prescription for soy beverage.

Why do WIC federal regulations require prescriptions for foods?

The new federal rules were developed to ensure the client’s healthcare provider has determined whether any foods WIC are medically contraindicated. Requiring the health care provider to prescribe the types and amount of WIC formula and supplemental foods allowed in the client’s diet will help WIC staff provide a food package that is appropriate to the client's medical needs.

Requiring a prescription for soy-based beverage and tofu for children ensures the child's health care provider is aware that the child may be at nutritional risk when milk is replaced by other foods. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans stress the importance of milk consumption in the development of bone mass for children. The Institute of Medicine, in its review of WIC foods, noted that while soy products may be an appropriate choice for women and children who cannot consume milk, soy should not be made available to satisfy client preference in the absence of medical need.

WIC Prescription Forms

Women (55.90 KB)
Infants (82.02 KB)
Children (92.08 KB)

Qualifiying Conditions

Qualifying conditions include, but are not limited to premature birth, low birth weight, failure to thrive, inborn errors of metabolism and metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, malabsorption syndromes, immune system disorders, disease and medical conditions that impair ingestion, digestion, absorption or the utilization of nutrients. Medical foods, medical formulas or whole milk (for children and women) can not be issued for the purposes of managing body weight.

Supplemental Foods

Supplemental foods include: milk, cheese, tofu, soy beverage, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread, whole corn tortillas, bulgur, breakfast cereals, juice, peanut butter, dried peas and beans, eggs for children and women. In addition, exclusively breastfeeding women receive tuna or canned salmon. Infants receive infant formula only if needed, and after 6 months of age, receive baby foods and cereal. View a complete list of Washington State WIC Nutrition Program’s foods

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Breastfeeding Information

WIC Prescription Forms

Infant Formula

WIC Annual Reports

Related Information

USDA/FNS

Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington

First Steps/MSS

Children with Special Health Care Needs