HB 3273 awaits signature by Gov. Kate Brown (D), establishing a state-wide drug take-back program funded and designed by drug manufacturers. The bill contains local pre-emption, places enforcement and rulemaking in the hands of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and allows for both stationary receptacles and mail back programs. The program is scheduled to be operational by Thursday, July 1, 2021.
Also in Oregon… HB 2935 (Chapter 438) was signed into law by Gov. Kate Brown (D) requiring retail pharmacies to provide prescription readers, upon request, to their patients who are visually impaired. The prescription labels will have to be compatible with the prescription readers and be available to the patient for the duration of the prescription. The Board of Pharmacy has rulemaking authority on this law which took effect upon its passage.
Also in Oregon… Gov. Brown has signed into law SB 698 (Chapter 465), requiring all retail pharmacies to provide to patients with limited English proficiency their prescription labels in both English and the language requested. If authorized by the Board of Pharmacy by rule, the informational insert may also be included in the requested language. The state has identified at least 14 languages other than English in which prescription labels will be required to be translated. This law takes effect 91 days after the end of session that occurred on June 30. The Board will meet Wednesday-Friday, August 7-9 in Portland.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.