[Nfbn-announce] National Federation of the Blind Endorses Legislation to Improve Prescription Drug Labeling

[Amy Buresh]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

 <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org> 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.

 

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.  

 

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.

 

"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."

 

"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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