PQAC Rulemaking for Prescription Label Requirements

In response to rule petitions requesting accessible medication labeling for patients, the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) has begun rulemaking on the accessibility of prescription information for visually impaired individuals as well as individuals with limited English proficiency. Under the current draft language dental offices offering prescription toothpaste, prescription mouthwash, prescription bleaching products, and other prescriptions for take home patient use will be subject to these requirements.

The draft rules require dispensing providers, including dentists, to provide access to prescription information for visually impaired or print disabled individuals upon the request of the individual or their authorized representative. This access must be available through one or a combination of the methods outlined in the rules, which includes prescription information in braille, QR code, minimum 12-point font size, among other options.

Additionally, the rules propose that every dispensing provider offer competent oral interpretation and written translation services of the complete directions of prescription use to limited English proficiency individuals upon their request, upon the request of their authorized representative, or when it is evident the individual has limited English proficiency.

Questions? More information can be found on the PQAC website, and comments can be submitted to PharmacyRules@doh.wa.gov.