[Nfb-arkansas] Fwd: National Federation of the Blind Endorses Legislation to Improve Prescription Drug Labeling

[tosheeler at cox.net]

> From: "Freeh, Jessica" <JFreeh at nfb.org>
 Terry Sheeler <tosheeler at cox.net>
> Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:02:21 -0700
> Subject: National Federation of the Blind Endorses Legislation to Improve
 Prescription Drug Labeling
> 
> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
> 
> CONTACT:
> Chris Danielsen
> Director of Public Relations
> National Federation of the Blind
> (410) 659-9314, extension 2330
> (410) 262-1281 (Cell)
> cdanielsen at nfb.org<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>
> 
> National Federation of the Blind Endorses Legislation
>  to Improve Prescription Drug Labeling
> 
> Baltimore, Maryland (March 12, 2012): The National Federation of the Blind, the oldest and largest organization of blind people in the country, today endorsed H.R. 4087, the Prescription Drug Labeling Promotion Act of 2012.  This legislation, introduced by Congressman Edward D. Markey (D-MA) on February 28, is intended to ensure that people who are blind or have other print disabilities have full access to the information included on their prescription drug labels.
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> The legislation calls for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a working group consisting of stakeholders-such as representatives of organizations of the blind-which will develop and propagate best practices and standards on access to prescription drug labels by the blind and visually impaired.  The working group would have one year after the date of the Act's enactment to promulgate its guidance on best practices.
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> Eighteen months after the promulgation of best practices, the Comptroller General will evaluate the level of access blind people have to prescription drug labels, as well as the level of compliance by pharmacies, and submit a review to Congress.
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> "Blind people and those who are losing vision must have access to the critical information contained on prescription labels," said Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind.  "We thank Congressman Markey for introducing this legislation and look forward to participating in discussions to formulate best practices for making this information accessible."
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> "No one should have to sacrifice their independence or safety to take their medication," said Representative Markey, senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and author of the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act.  "Being unable to read prescription labels can lead to unnecessary illness and added emergency room visits.  The Prescription Drug Labeling Promotion Act helps turn pharmacies into partners for empowering all Americans to take full control of their health.  It is another important step to ensure that individuals who are blind can fully participate in 21st century society."
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> About the National Federation of the Blind
> With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.
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