Reps. Sigrist, Abrams Deliver Bipartisan Sponsor Testimony on Bill to Provide More Accessible Prescription Drug Readers

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Mark Sigrist (D-Grove City) and Cindy Abrams (R-Wadsworth) last Tuesday delivered sponsor testimony for House Bill (HB) 374 in the House Insurance Committee. This legislation seeks to make prescription drug readers more accessible for visually impaired patients.  

“For Ohioans who are blind, visually impaired, dyslexic, or illiterate, managing prescription medications is not just difficult, it can be dangerous,” said Rep. Sigrist. “Without accessible labeling, individuals risk taking the wrong medication, missing vital dosage instructions, or overlooking warnings. These risks are preventable.”  

HB 374 requires pharmacies to notify patients that a prescription reader is available and to provide one upon request for the duration of the prescription. These devices simply read aloud the same label information everyone else can see, including dosage, instructions, warning, and safety information.

Many major pharmacies, like CVS and Walgreens, already offer such devices at no cost in other states, however, access is often inconsistent when shopping elsewhere.

HB 374 is tentatively scheduled for a second hearing in the House Insurance Committee on Wednesday, October 29th for proponent testimony.