Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF2266

Introduced
3/1/23  

Caption

Pharmacist dispensing of prescriptions using an audible container or braille container label for patients who are visually impaired or blind requirement

Impact

The enactment of SF2266 would amend Minnesota Statutes 2022, specifically section 151.212, by requiring pharmacists to inform patients about the availability of these accessible prescription drug container labels. This would foster an environment where patients with disabilities can manage their medications independently and with confidence. The bill outlines specific requirements for label content and format, ensuring that the information conveyed is thorough, accessible, and aligned with best practices established by the United States Access Board.

Summary

SF2266 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing accessibility to prescription medications for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The bill mandates that pharmacies provide audible or braille labels upon request, ensuring that patients who identify as having a disability can receive prescription drugs labeled in a manner that accommodates their needs. The intention behind this legislation is to empower individuals with disabilities by giving them more autonomy in managing their medications safely and effectively.

Conclusion

Overall, SF2266 represents a significant step toward enhancing access to healthcare for visually impaired individuals in Minnesota. As discussions around the bill progress, it will be essential to closely examine both the benefits for patients and the implications for pharmacies operating under the new regulations to ensure a smooth and effective implementation of these important accessibility features.

Contention

While SF2266 aims to improve accessibility, it could face pushback regarding its implementation. Some concerns may arise around the additional pressures placed on pharmacies to adopt new labeling systems and ensure compliance with the bill's requirements. Stakeholders, including pharmacy representatives, might argue about the cost implications and practical challenges related to training staff and updating systems to fulfill these mandates. Proponents of the bill may counter that the long-term benefits of increased accessibility far outweigh the initial challenges and costs.

Companion Bills

MN HF2430

Similar To Pharmacists required to dispense prescription using an audible container label or braille container label for patients who are visually impaired or blind.

Previously Filed As

MN HB374

Regards prescription drug readers for visually impaired patients

MN HB2291

Opioids; containers; labeling; requirements; repeal

MN S07562

Requires prescription drug containers be labeled with a description of the size, shape, color and imprint of the prescription drug it contains.

MN A3131

Requires labeling of over-the-counter and prescription drugs containing major food allergen or gluten-containing grain.

MN SB2470

Relating to the requirements for the labeling and dispensing of a prescription drug or biological product.

MN S10211

Establishes a deposit and recycling program for wine containers and liquor containers with 5 cent deposits for containers less than 24 oz and 10 cent deposits for containers over 24 oz; provides for labeling of such containers; makes related provisions.

MN SB222

Commission for the Blind and the Visually Impaired; create

MN HB1376

Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Act; enact

MN HB534

In voting by qualified absentee electors, providing for absentee ballots for electors who are blind, visually impaired or disabled.

MN S2118

Increasing government accessibility for persons who are blind or visually impaired

Similar Bills

AZ HB2291

Opioids; containers; labeling; requirements; repeal

CA AB577

Health care coverage: antisteering.

RI H8318

Prescriptions for testosterone not allowed to be transmitted or reported within the prescription drug monitoring database and removes from the records all existing information concerning prior testosterone prescriptions.

RI S2889

Prescriptions for testosterone not allowed to be transmitted or reported within the prescription drug monitoring database and removes from the records all existing information concerning prior testosterone prescriptions.

HI HB2225

Relating To Health.

HI SB2751

Relating To Workers' Compensation.

RI H5866

Increases the maximum fill for non-opioid, non-narcotic controlled substances found in schedule II, so that a sixty-day (60) supply may be dispensed at any one time.

RI S0795

Increases the maximum fill for non-opioid, non-narcotic controlled substances found in schedule II, so that a ninety-day (90) supply may be dispensed at any one time.