In advance of the January 17th House Health Care and Wellness Committee hearing on HB 1852 / SB 5840 legislation that would require by January 1, 2023, prescription label translations in 15 languages for both the directions for use and the side effects of the drug, the latter which is not currently required to be on the label, NACDS submitted this statement for the record opposing the bill.
NACDS has substantial concerns that although well-intentioned, this bill would impose new requirements for labeling prescriptions in multiple languages that would be redundant to the ways that pharmacies ensure meaningful access to care for individuals with limited English proficiency under 45 CFR 92.201. Moreover, we are concerned that the requirements of this bill go beyond what is practical and could potentially undermine the numerous ways that pharmacies already provide translation services to their patients. We, therefore, urge Washington lawmakers to reject his impractical legislation.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.