Tennessee Law Requires Accessible Prescription Labeling


The volunteer state has stepped forward to become the third state to passed a law to require accessible prescription labels for the blind and visually impaired. The law instructs the Board of Pharmacy to "promulgate all necessary rules and regulations to ensure that an individual who is blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled have appropriate access to prescription labels, bag tags, and medical guides."

The National Federation of the Blind Tennessee affiliate presented strong arguments and moving testimony as to why this legislation is needed.  This law will also allow more people than just the blind to benefit from these new rules and regulations.. Conditions such as  dyslexia, stroke, vestibular issues and illiteracy can all create print disabilities which could be accommodated by accessible prescription labels.

The Tennessee Board of Pharmacy will engage in the rule making process which involves open public meetings and stakeholder meetings to get feedback.

 Tennessee Board of Pharmacy Meeting Schedule: https://www.tn.gov/health/calendar.pharmacy.html

Tennessee Board of Pharmacy Meeting Minutes: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/pharmacy-board/pharmacy-board/meeting-minutes.html