This is NOT a Messaging Bill

Symbolic, perennial, "messaging bills" are introduced in order to make a political statement, draw awareness to an issue, or appease a constituent, all without any real intention of the bill passing.

 

When advocating for accessible labeling bills be clear with the sponsor that this is NOT a messaging bill.  Eleven accessible prescription labeling state laws have been passed and every state should follow suit, because this is a life saving human rights bill. 

 

On average it has taken three introductions for bills of this nature to get passed.  If a state is on it's forth or fifth attempt, it might be time to make it clear that this is not just to make a political statement, but real change is needed.  

 

It might be time to discuss with the sponsor the barriers that are in the way so it can pass.  That may mean finding a new sponsor, or co-sponsors that have a bit more clout, talking to the committee chair directly, forming a coalition of like minded organizations in disability rights, health equity, language access, and literacy and bringing the pharmacy lobby to the table for discussions.

 

Many pharmacists and legislators initially feel like providing accessible labels is doing blind patients a favor, and it should not be mandated, especially an unfunded mandate.  But the ADA makes it clear that the government does not pay you to not discriminate.  And basic access to health information is not a favor.  

 

For a more in depth look at the "basic access is not a favor" argument read about the 2024 legislative hearing in Colorado.  https://www.staysaferx.org/2024/03/basic-access-is-not-favor-colorado-hb24.html

 

  

 

 

 

Join En-Vision America for a webinar on August 11th at 11am Eastern highlighting advocates for accessible prescription labeling, their stories, successes, and challenges. Get ideas on how to help your organization or clients get the accessibility they need. 

To Register and Learn more about the Panelists Visit:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9717816433448/WN_Mc_DscjySjmMhWFLKBTTNg 

 

 

New Iowa Law Requires Audible Notifications of Accessible Labels

 

After a few amendments removing references to insurance reimbursement, the Iowa prescription labeling bill was renamed HF 2585, passed both chambers and was signed by Governor Kim Reynolds on May 19, 2026.  

 The new law states that persons who are blind, have a visual impairment or other print disability may request from their pharmacy accessible prescription drug labels, bag tags and medical guides. 

• The pharmacy will either provide access or refer patient to a pharmacy that can. 
• Accommodations must be provided at no additional cost to consumer 
• Pharmacies are allowed a reasonable development period after which they must provide access within a time frame comparable to other consumers. 
• Each April the Board of Pharmacy will publish a list online of pharmacies that provide accessibility measures
• During the adoption of rules, persons who are blind, visually impaired or print impaired must be consulted. 
• Rules should comply with the US Access Boards Best Practices.
• Rules must include provisions requiring pharmacies to give notice to the public of the accessible measures available in an audible format
• The Board must report back to the general assembly and governor after a year

  This is the first state law to specifically require audible public notice of accommodations. We don't know what that will look like when regulations are created, but most likely will mean an automated phone message, in-store overhead speaker notifications, or verbal notification at the counter.  

It is the second state law (the other being Nevada) that allows pharmacies to refer people to another pharmacy. Pharmacies will want to proceed with caution and consult with their legal counsel to make sure they are in compliance with sometimes more restrictive federal ADA and ACA Section 1557 laws as well.