Washington, D.C. (October 30, 2024) – As communities across the Southeast continue to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Pharmaceutical Printed Literature Association (PPLA) is working to address one of the dangerous consequences of extreme weather: inaccessible digital prescription drug information.
Millions of Americans lost power and cell phone service or were physically cut off from pharmacies for days due to the destruction caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
To ensure Americans don’t lose access to their Patient Medication Information (PMI) if they lose power or cell phone service during a natural disaster, PPLA is urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reconsider a proposed rule that would put PMI on the path to a digital-only format.
A bipartisan coalition led by 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 (H.R. 1173). The bill would ensure that all patients receive printed PMI with every prescription, ensuring Americans can take their medications safely during disruptions to power, internet, and cell phone service.
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.
For more information about PPLA, click here.