WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Jared Golden (D-ME), and Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) introduced the Patients’ Right to Know Their Medication Act of 2023 to ensure that rural Americans and seniors have access to important information about their prescription medications and to protect the jobs of hardworking Georgians.
It is common practice for patients to see safety, dosage, health consequences, and other details about their prescription medication when they pick it up from the counter, but this is not a legal requirement, leaving some patients in the dark about their own health. This bill would ensure that patients nationwide are guaranteed access to this vital information.
“When I practiced pharmacy, I always made sure that my patients knew the impacts their prescriptions would have on their health. This is a common-sense update that will help patients, pharmacists, and drug manufacturers maintain the highest quality health care for all. With this bill, you won’t need a medical degree or even a strong internet connection to know that you’re taking your medications safely and correctly,” said Rep. Carter.
“Many rural Mainers and seniors don’t have reliable access to the internet or aren’t comfortable using it to get important information about their prescription medications,” said Congressman Jared Golden. “Our bipartisan bill requires information about medications to be printed, ensuring that every American who relies on a prescription has all the information they need to take it safely when they leave the pharmacy. This commonsense bill also would support hundreds of good jobs in Madawaska and our state’s forest products industry.”
“Although many pharmacies include some information to patients about their prescriptions, it’s not required by law. Without printed information about their medication, some seniors or patients without access to reliable internet connection may not receive the necessary information on safety, dosages, and other details about their medication. Legislation like this ensures that every patient, especially those in rural districts like mine, has access to the important information they need,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman.
“I am proud to support this common sense, bipartisan bill that is simple and straightforward but potentially lifesaving,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger. “By requiring clear instructions and warnings such as potential adverse side effects on paper, we will ensure all Americans are empowered to take their prescriptions safely, especially seniors who cannot or do not use the Internet.”
Read the full bill text here.
###
