SB 1390 Summary

• Requires all California pharmacies to use standardized, patient-centered prescription drug labels on or after January 1, 2012, with patient name, drug name/strength, directions for use, and purpose printed in at least 12-point sans serif typeface in a designated area comprising 50% of the label.

• Mandates the State Board of Pharmacy develop and publish translations of standardized directions for use in a minimum of 14 languages and provide example labels by January 1, 2012.

• Requires pharmacies to provide free interpreter services during operating hours to limited-English proficient (LEP) patients to help them understand prescription drug label information, effective January 1, 2012.

• Obligates pharmacies to provide written prescription drug information in patients' native languages starting January 1, 2013, and to develop written policies and procedures for language assistance services by January 1, 2012 and 2013.

• Exempts prescriptions dispensed in health facilities and administered by licensed health care professionals from these requirements, but applies requirements to prescriptions provided upon discharge or not administered by facility staff.