Press Release PPLA
Washington, DC (April 12, 2024) – The Pharmaceutical Printed Literature Association (PPLA) today highlighted how an expiring broadband access program underscores the health risks associated with proposals to shift printed Patient Medication Information (PMI) to digital only formats. Patient Medication Information is the life-saving information dispensed at the pharmacy detailing a prescription medication’s purpose, instructions for use, and potential side effects. A proposed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rule would shift PMI to a digital format, which limits access for rural and low-income Americans without consistent broadband access.
Three Key Facts:
- The Affordable Connectivity Program is set to expire this month, which would jeopardize broadband access for the 23 million households that receive funds through the program to secure broadband access. More than 75% of recipients told the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that losing the funds would threaten their broadband access.
- According to a 2013 study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), relying on electronic labeling as a complete substitute for paper labeling could adversely impact public health. In their study, the GAO notes that an absence of printed labels is particularly problematic for prescribers and patients in rural practice settings, deployed military practice settings, and in all areas in the event of a severe weather or man-made disaster.
- More than 100,000 people die every year from medication non-adherence, which creates serious health risks for the 42 million Americans who still lack broadband and may not have access to PMI in a digital format.
PPLA supports the bipartisan Patients’ Right to Know Their Medication Act (H.R. 1173), which requires drug manufacturers to provide printed PMI, approved by the FDA, for every American taking prescription medications. The bill would protect patients’ access to printed PMI and avoid health risks associated with the FDA’s proposed rule.
The bill was introduced by Representatives Buddy Carter (R-GA), Jared Golden (D-ME), Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), and Bruce Westerman (R-AR). It has been cosponsored by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), David Trone (D-MD), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK), and Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez (D-TX).
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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