The Board of Pharmacy issued the following communication to licensees:
“In response to House Bill 2147, passed during the 2023 General Assembly Session, the Board of Pharmacy is reminding pharmacy personnel that federal laws require minimum standards in certain situations regarding patient translation services for prescription drugs. Specifically, pharmacy personnel are encouraged to review and consult with their management regarding the pharmacy’s compliance with the following federal laws: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d) regarding discrimination based on race, color, or national origin by any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794) regarding discrimination based on a disability from any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance; and Title III of the American with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 12181 to 12189; 28 C.F.R. Pt. 36) regarding discrimination at a place of public accommodation which includes a pharmacy. Please note the Board is unable to provide legal advice on this matter. However, additional information may be found in the Board of Pharmacy Report Regarding the Provision of Translated Directions for Use of Prescriptions submitted to the Virginia General Assembly on December 7, 2023.Please also be aware that the Board will adopt regulations and guidance by December 31, 2024, for accessible prescription labels to assist the blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled as required by House Bill 516, passed during the 2024 General Assembly Session.”
For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.