Maryland House Bill HB456

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 1/30/23
• Report Pass: 3/16/23
• Engrossed: 3/18/23
• Refer: 3/20/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Enrolled: 4/6/23
• Chaptered: 5/3/23
• Passed: 5/3/23

Caption

State Board of Pharmacy - Accessible Prescription Labels, Bag Tags, and Medical Guides for Blind, Visually Impaired, and Print Disabled Individuals - Regulations

Impact

The implications of HB 456 are significant, as it seeks to amend existing health occupation laws to include provisions specifically catering to individuals with disabilities. By mandating accessible prescription labels and bag tags, the bill not only fosters inclusivity but also establishes a requirement for pharmacies to enhance their services and customer interactions. This could lead to increased operational standards within pharmacies, as they adapt to ensure compliance with the new accessibility regulations.

Summary

House Bill 456 aims to enhance the accessibility of prescription drugs for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled. The bill requires pharmacies to provide clear notification about the availability of accessible labels and other aids upon request, ensuring that patients with visual impairments receive the same quality of information as other customers. This includes developing regulations for accessible labels that must conform to specific best practices as determined by federal guidelines. The State Board of Pharmacy is tasked with implementing these new regulations by a set deadline.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 456 appears largely positive among legislative supporters and advocacy groups, who view the bill as a necessary step in promoting inclusiveness and equal access to healthcare information. Supporters argue that this legislation can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments, while also raising awareness on the broader topic of disability access in healthcare. However, as with many legislative changes, there may be concerns expressed by organizations about the practicality of implementing such requirements and about potential costs to pharmacies.

Contention

While overall support for HB 456 is robust, there are points of contention regarding the practicality and execution of the bill’s provisions. Some pharmacy representatives and stakeholders have raised concerns about the additional workload and potential costs associated with producing and maintaining accessible labels and devices. There may be debates regarding the adequacy of resources and training needed for pharmacy staff to comply with the new rules, as well as about potential liability issues if information provided is found to be inaccurate or misleading.