A bill for an act relating to ensuring the provision of accessible prescription-related measures for persons who are blind, have a visual impairment, or otherwise have print disabilities.
Impact
If enacted, SF2089 would amend existing laws governing accessibility in healthcare, particularly regarding prescription drug information. It aims to bring the standards in line with recommendations from the United States Government Accountability Office, thus improving overall public health support for individuals facing barriers related to print disabilities. The requirement for accessible drug labels is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that all consumers can effectively manage their medications and health information.
Summary
Senate File 2089, introduced by Senator Bisignano, seeks to enhance accessibility for individuals who are blind or have visual impairments and print disabilities. The bill mandates that the Iowa Board of Pharmacy adopt rules ensuring that, by October 31, 2024, all persons with these disabilities have appropriate access to prescription drug labels, bag tags, and medical guides. It emphasizes that such information must be provided at no additional cost and in a manner that ensures equality of access to information as compared to those without disabilities.
Contention
Some points of contention surrounding SF2089 may arise from the implications it could have on pharmaceutical practices and the costs associated with implementing these accessibility measures. The bill requires the Board to solicit input from affected individuals while also submitting a report on its progress to the governor and the general assembly by January 1, 2025. Concerns may include the potential increase in operational costs for pharmacies and whether they can adequately provide the necessary services without incurring additional fees that might affect consumers.
A bill for an act relating to ensuring the provision of accessible prescription-related measures for persons who are blind, have a visual impairment, or otherwise have print disabilities.
A bill for an act relating to the provision of accessible prescription-related measures for persons who are blind, have a visual impairment, or other print disability.(See HF 2585.)
A bill for an act relating to the provision of accessible prescription-related measures for persons who are blind, have a visual impairment, or other print disability. (Formerly HF 2033.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.
Provides for eligibility for medical assistance for personal care services for persons with traumatic brain injury, developmental disability, cognitive impairments, blindness or visual impairment.
Establishing the blind information access act to require the state library to provide on-demand information access services to persons who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or print disabled.
Establishing the blind information access act to require the state library to provide on-demand information access services to persons who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or print disabled.
Prohibits pre-approval or precertification of medical tests, procedures and prescription drugs covered under health benefits or prescription drug benefits plans.
Prohibits pre-approval or precertification of medical tests, procedures and prescription drugs covered under health benefits or prescription drug benefits plans.
Prohibits pre-approval or precertification of cancer treatments, tests, procedures and prescription drugs covered under health benefits or prescription drug benefits plans.