Signed by Governor Kate Brown

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass an amended bill that requires pharmacies to provide prescription readers to the visually impaired.

Highlights:

• Defines “person who is blind” as a person visually impaired, print disabled, or a person who is blind as the term is defined in ORS 346.510, alongside the mandatory certification of a licensed physician specializing in diseases of the eye (Sec. 2).

• Defines “prescription reader” as a device designed to audibly convey the information on the label of a prescription drug (Sec. 2).

• Requires pharmacies to notify each individual that have their prescription drugs dispensed that a prescription reader is available upon request (Sec. 2).

• Requires pharmacies to provide prescription readers that are available to the individual for the duration of the prescription, and that are appropriate in addressing the person’s visual impairment (Sec. 2).

• Exempts institutional drug outlets from following the requirements of section 2 (Sec. 2).

• Establishes that section two becomes operative on January 1, 2020 (Sec. 3).

• Establishes the declaration of an emergency and that this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text