BILL NUMBER:S2754

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the public health law, in relation to
labeling and font size of prescription drugs

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This bill increases the font size on prescription labels to at least
fourteen point print.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends the section 206 of the public health law by adding a
new subdivision directing by rule and regulation criteria, pharmacies
to provide prescription bottle labels in a font size of at least
fourteen point print.

Section 2 provides that effective immediately, the addition, amendment
and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the
implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized and
directed to be made and completed on or before such dates.

JUSTIFICATION:

New York State ranks third in the nation with regard to its elderly
population. Older adults in the 60-plus age group are significantly
              

less likely to be able to read prescription drug labels than younger
adults. This is a large problem because older adults take more
prescription medications than younger adults, and as a result are more
at risk from the ill effects associated with mistaken intake of
prescribed medications associate with the illegible font of
prescription labels.

The warnings on prescription drug labels are important to them, yet
they're less likely to find these warnings if they are printed in a 12
or lower point font. With an increase in font sizes, older adults will
be more aware of the frequency of when they should be taking the
drugs, and what to avoid in comprehension with the prescribed
medication.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2013-14: S.7573 - referred to health

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Minimal.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

This shall take effect the on hundred and twentieth day after it shall
have become law.