Press Release : PPLA
Washington, DC (February 26, 2024) – The Pharmaceutical Printed Literature Association (PPLA) applauds Congresswoman Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK) for cosponsoring the bipartisan Patients’ Right to Know Their Medication Act (H.R. 1173), legislation that would standardize medication information and ensure it’s printed by drug manufacturers so patients take their prescriptions safely and effectively.
“By supporting this bill, Congresswoman Peltola acknowledges the importance of clear and accessible information in keeping patients and their families healthy,” said PPLA Board President Dave Joesten. “Additionally, by having drug manufacturers print medication information, she understands that this bill will help alleviate the financial and workforce burdens on America’s struggling pharmacies. We urge all members of Congress to follow Congresswoman Peltola’s lead and support the Patients’ Right to Know Their Medication Act to ensure that every American has access to clear, accurate, and standardized medication information that can ultimately save lives.”
Currently, there is no standard for medication information. Therefore, medication information typically attached to prescription medication, known as patient medication information (PMI), is often hard to understand, leading to confusion, mistakes, adverse drug events, and unnecessary healthcare costs. Ninety million adults misunderstand the medical details on drug labels. 50% of patients with chronic conditions experience medication non-adherence, which takes over 100,000 lives every year and costs upwards of $300 billion per year.
The Patients’ Right to Know Their Medication Act was introduced by Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Jared Golden (D-ME), and Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD). In addition to Congresswoman Peltola, it is cosponsored by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), David Trone (D-MD), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), and Brad Schneider (D-IL).
The Pharmaceutical Printed Literature Association
Chartered in 2001, the PPLA serves as the voice for our members, advocating for patient safety and risk communication by fighting to keep information on paper and readily accessible for patients and caregivers. This information helps drive the patient involvement model of health care, helping patients get the maximum benefits from the powerful drugs they take while minimizing risk.
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