New Bill Looks to Assist the Visually Impaired's Understanding of Drug Labeling

A new bill introduced on 24 February by Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), thePrescription Drug Labeling Promotion Act of 2012 (H.R. 4087), aims to ensure that visually-impaired and blind individuals are able to read the labeling on prescription drug products.

H.R. 4087 would establish a working group to develop guidance on best practices for making drug labeling accessible to the blind and visually impaired. Considerations by the group will include:

• The use of braille in alternate labeling
• Auditory means, including "talking bottles", digital voice recorders and radio frequency identification tags
• Enhanced visual aids, including large-font text, high-contrast printing and different font-types

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration.

Read more:

H.R.4087 -- Prescription Drug Labeling Promotion Act of 2012 (Introduced in House - IH)