NFB Endorses Legislation to Improve Prescription Drug Labeling

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
cdanielsen@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 stakeholders­such as
representatives of organizations of the
blind­which 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.”



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 "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
/>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.