Rep. Brown introduces legislation increasing access to audio prescription label readers
State Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) introduced legislation this week to increase awareness of and access to audio prescription label readers for those who are blind or have vision impairments. House Bill (HB) 214 would require pharmacies in Ohio to provide label readers upon request for at least the duration of a prescription.
“No Ohioan should be denied access to prescription safety information due to their inability to see. This is a glaring inequity in our current system, and as lawmakers we have a responsibility to enact this common-sense solution,” said Rep. Brown. “This legislation seeks to put blind and visually-impaired patients on a level playing field with sighted individuals.”
Audio prescription label readers help those with vision impairments access the instructional information available on the labels of their prescription bottles and differentiate between different medications in a safe, reliable manner. The bipartisan legislation is inspired by meetings with and supported by the National Federation of the Blind Ohio.
Rep. Brown introduced similar legislation during the 132nd General Assembly, and a similar bill recently unanimously passed the Nevada State Assembly. HB 214 will now be assigned to a committee for further consideration.