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.