Two Oregon Nurses Explain Why Dual-Language Prescription Labels Improve Safety & Adherence

Two Oregon nurses explain why it is vital that pharmacies provide prescription labels in the language their Limited English Proficiency patients are most comfortable understanding. 

Kristen Beiers-Jones, RN, MN, from the Oregon Health Science University School of Nursing; and Kate Ballard, BSN, RN, have both worked directly with patients who speak English as a Second Language and struggle to understand their prescription label information. They've witnessed the errors that can occur and are leading a movement to improve patient safety for those with Limited English Proficiency through dual language medication labeling. 

For more information, email the nurses at RxTranslationLaw@gmail.com.  

Nevada Dual Language Bill Sponsored by Majority Leader Assemblywoman Teresa Benitez-Thompson

 

Assembly Bill 177 was born out of Assemblywoman Benitez-Thompson's experience as a hospice social worker where she saw seniors and families struggle to manage medications with limited English proficiency. During the Commerce and Labor committee hearing there was support from many groups and discussion on what supports are already available to those with limited English proficiency.  Those representing pharmacy groups expressed their support of measures to assist patients with limited English proficiency but were concerned with the added time and expense dual language labels would require. Benitez-Thompson plans to continue to work with stakeholders to address the best public policy and bill wording.  View the first bill hearing here and read the bill text here.