This bill establishes new provisions for accessible prescription-related measures specifically aimed at individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or have other print disabilities. It mandates that by January 1, 2027, pharmacies must provide access to prescription drug labels, bag tags, and medical guides upon request from these individuals, or refer them to a nearby pharmacy that can meet their needs. The accessibility measures must be provided at no additional cost and must ensure that the information is available in a fully accessible format within a comparable timeframe to that of individuals without disabilities. The bill also requires the Board of Pharmacy to publish an annual list of pharmacies that comply with these accessibility measures.
Additionally, the bill stipulates that health carriers will pay an enhanced dispensing fee to pharmacies to cover the costs associated with implementing these accessibility measures. It outlines specific exemptions for certain types of pharmacies, such as institutional pharmacies and those participating in drug donation programs. The Board of Pharmacy is tasked with soliciting input from affected individuals during the rule-making process and ensuring compliance with federal guidelines and industry standards. Finally, a report summarizing the progress of these measures and recommendations for further improvements must be submitted to the governor and the general assembly by January 1, 2028.