Tennesse Accessible Labling Rules To Go Into Effect March 14, 2023

New Tennessee Board of Pharmacy rules requiring pharmacies to provide "all reasonable accommodations for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print-disabled" will become effective on March 14, 2023. 

During the rule making hearing in May 8, 2023 the board said they wanted to keep the rules non specific in order to allow the pharmacist to work with the patient to determine the solution that would best accommodate them. 

Tennessee Code Section 63-10-304, (k) which was amended with HB1859 in 2022 states that the intent of these rules is to ensure that an individual who is blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled has appropriate access to prescription labels, bag tags, and medical guides.

Ohio Accessible Pharmacy Directory Rule Filing

 

The Ohio Board of Pharmacy voted November 6, 2023 to file new rules regarding the reporting of accessible pharmacy services.  Many public comments were posted prior to the decision.

The new rule would require pharmacies applying or renewing their license to report what services they provide to those who are hearing impaired, vision impaired or in need of translation services.  The information will be put into an online directory that patients can access.

The board of pharmacy released a guidance document to assist pharmacies in providing their service information.

4729:5-2-05 - Notification of Accessible Services.

(A) Every outpatient pharmacy providing pharmacy services in this state shall report to the state
board of pharmacy, in a manner determined by the board, the following information on accessible
services provided by the pharmacy within ninety days of the effective date of this rule:

    (1) The type of language translation services, including translated prescription labels, for patients
who are of limited English proficiency;

    (2) The type of services available for patients who are hard of hearing; and

    (3) The type of services available for patients with low vision.

(B) As part of the licensure and renewal process established in rule 4729:5-2-02 of the
Administrative Code, an outpatient pharmacy providing pharmacy services in this state shall submit
information on the accessible services listed in paragraph (A) of this rule that are provided by the
pharmacy.

(C) An outpatient pharmacy required to submit notification to the board in accordance with this
rule shall notify the board within thirty days of any change in the accessible services provided by
the pharmacy.

(D) Except as provided in paragraph (E) of this rule, a pharmacy that reports it offers
accessible services shall be required to provide those services to patients upon request.

(E) Paragraph (D) does not apply if the pharmacy experiences a temporary software or
equipment failure of the accessible service offered.

October is Medication Label Safety Awareness Month

 

October is Medication Label Safety Awareness Month

Medication Label Safety Awareness month is a great time to spread the word about the dangers of not being able to read medication labels.  In order to cram all that information into a tiny space the font ends up being so small.  There are many reasons why someone might not be able to read that fine print.  It could be due to a vision impairment, stroke, vestibular issue, brain injury or not knowing how to read English.  Not being able to read prescription labels can lead to serious medication errors, adverse events or to people just not taking their medication. 

Accessible prescription label formats can help patients to have access to this critical information in large print, Braille, Audible and translated formats.  Find out what you can do to help spread the word about accessible prescription label formats.  Remember to Use #MSLA23 in your social media posts!  Visit https://mailchi.mp/envisionamerica/mlsa2023 for more information and resources to get involved in the #MLSA23 Campaign