Requires pharmacies to provide prescription drug readers or other means of access to individuals who disclose they have difficulty seeing or reading standard print labels on prescription drug containers; defines "prescription drug reader" to mean a device which is capable of audibly conveying information contained on the label of a prescription drug; makes exceptions.
Summary
Bill A04039 aims to enhance accessibility for individuals with visual impairments by requiring pharmacies to provide prescription drug readers or alternative means to access information on prescription drug labels. The bill mandates that pharmacies ensure these devices are available at no additional cost and that they actively inform the public about their availability. The legislation specifically excludes sole proprietorship pharmacies, those in correctional facilities, and those operated by government entities from these requirements.
Impact
If enacted, this bill will amend the education law in New York, establishing a new standard for pharmacies regarding accessibility to prescription drug information. It will likely lead to improved health outcomes for individuals with visual impairments by ensuring they have the necessary tools to understand their medication instructions. Pharmacies will need to comply with the new regulations set forth by the state board of pharmacy, which will be responsible for implementing the necessary rules by the end of 2027.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A04039 appears to be supportive, particularly from advocacy groups for the visually impaired who emphasize the importance of accessible healthcare. However, there may be concerns from some pharmacy owners regarding the costs and logistics of implementing these requirements, especially for smaller or independent pharmacies.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the potential financial burden on pharmacies to provide these devices and the exceptions made for certain types of pharmacies. Some committee members may argue that the bill should apply universally to ensure all individuals have equal access, while others may defend the exceptions as necessary for operational feasibility.
Same As
Requires pharmacies to provide prescription drug readers or other means of access to individuals who disclose they have difficulty seeing or reading standard print labels on prescription drug containers; defines "prescription drug reader" to mean a device which is capable of audibly conveying information contained on the label of a prescription drug; makes exceptions.
Requires pharmacies to provide prescription drug readers or other means of access to individuals who disclose they have difficulty seeing or reading standard print labels on prescription drug containers; defines "prescription drug reader" to mean a device which is capable of audibly conveying information contained on the label of a prescription drug; makes exceptions.
Requires prescription drug containers be labeled with a description of the size, shape, color and imprint of the prescription drug it contains if such drug is in tablet or capsule form.
Enacts the "foreign drug transparency act" to provide information on the origin, manufacture and distribution of prescription drugs; requires a pharmacy benefit manager to maintain, and make available to pharmacies, health plans, and patients upon request, supply chain information for prescription drugs covered under its network.
Enacts the "foreign drug transparency act" to provide information on the origin, manufacture and distribution of prescription drugs; requires a pharmacy benefit manager to maintain, and make available to pharmacies, health plans, and patients upon request, supply chain information for prescription drugs covered under its network.
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.
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.
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.
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.