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

Virginia BOP to Hold Workgroup Meeting

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy will hold a HB2147 Workgroup Meeting on September 28, 2023 to discuss translation services in pharmacies.  

HB 2147 directed the Board to evaluate challenges and barriers to requiring or providing translated directions for the use of prescriptions, including the possibility of model directions and necessary changes within pharmacies to ensure patients are aware of the language services available at the pharmacy

During HWI Subcommittee hearing, Delegate Guzman, sponsor of the bill explained the intent of the bill: "We want to ensure the residents of Virginia that speak a different language can have their prescription labels translated into a different language." 

Guzman said she has been working closely with the pharmacy industry and Board of Pharmacy in crafting the bill.  "As we see medicines that could have an impact that hurt peoples' lives, we want to make sure individuals understand the type of prescriptions that they have in the language they prefer" but they want to make sure smaller pharmacies are not negatively impacted.

The workgroup will explore all these issues and report back to the legislature with their findings.

Meeting Notice Posted:  https://www.townhall.virginia.gov/L/ViewMeeting.cfm?MeetingID=37186

 

Governor Josh Green MD. of Hawaii Signs Accessible Prescription Labeling Bill

 

 

 July 7, 2023--Governor Josh Green MD of Hawaii spent the day signing bills that promote the safety and well-being of the elderly, those with disabilities and expanding language access in the state.

A range of bills was signed into law, noted Senator Henry Aquino, vice chair, Committee on Health and Human Services. “These measures covering important issues such as disability access to programs and services, language access for those involved in the court system and shoring up resources for our seniors are key to assuring a healthy and strong community,” said Senator Aquino (District 19 Pearl City, Waipahu, West Loch Estates, Hono‘uli‘uli, Ho‘opili). “I’m grateful and appreciative for the support of Governor Green and his administration, key legislative colleagues and community stakeholders who worked hard to make this a reality. We’re moving towards a much better place because of their efforts.” 

“Four words define today’s bill signing: vision, being bold, having compassion, and loving our ʻohana,” said Representative John Mizuno, chair of the House Committee on Human Services. “Our efforts also show that we’re not going to be Oʻahu-centric when it comes to improving services for disabilities, we are taking care of all islands,” said Representative Mizuno, (District 29 Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi Valley, portion of Kalihi).

Read the whole press release:  https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/office-of-the-governor-news-release-gov-green-enacts-laws-supporting-the-elderly-and-persons-with-disabilities-and-expanding-language-access/

Watch the Bill Signing: https://fb.watch/lHOtZ5iIkJ/