Oregon Board of Pharmacy Publishes Official Rule Requiring Pharmacies to Provide Prescription Label Readers

 After some discussion, the Oregon Board of Pharmacy has published the final rule requiring pharmacies to notify patients that prescription readers are available and to provide the readers to patients who request one. This device is particularly vital for individuals who are visually impaired, blind or print impaired. 

The rule went into effect June 23, 2020 and is the culmination of state legislation that was enacted in 2019. 

For full details on the rule, as well as more, click here. 

Health & Well-Being Webinars

Health and Well Being Webinars sponsored by En-Vision America will focus on a variety of health and mental wellness topics with the visually impaired in mind.  The first webinar will focus on ways to thrive during uncertain times whether that be due to recent vision loss or COVID-19 precautions. New webinars will be introduced periodically.  Access current and past webinars at: https://mailchi.mp/envisionamerica/healthandwellbeing

New Accessible Prescription Labeling Bill Introduced in Minnesota

February 13, 2020 - Minnesota State Senators Newton, Hoffman and Abeler have sponsored senate bill SF3152 which would instruct pharmacists to dispense prescription drugs to a patient who is visually impaired or blind using an audible prescription drug container label or a braille prescription drug container label unless the patient requests a regular container label.  The pharmacy cannot charge an extra fee or surcharge for providing an audible or braille label. 

The bill has been referred to Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee which currently has over 300 bills on its docket.  Supporters of SF3152 are encouraged to contact their senator and request they co-sponsor the bill and to write letters of support to the Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee so it will be put on the agenda for consideration.