Washington, DC (December 16, 2024) – A recent report from CBS News shows at least 7,000 pharmacies have closed since 2019, leading to a sharp increase in pharmacy deserts, areas where residents do not have access to pharmacy care close by.
The pharmacy closure crisis highlights the importance of protecting access to printed Patient Medication Information (PMI), the pamphlet included with prescriptions for patients to reference when they can’t reach a pharmacist. Without consistent access to pharmacists, Americans need clear, printed PMI so they can take medications safely.
“The growing crisis of pharmacy closures is reshaping how we receive pharmacy care,” said Dave Joesten, Board Chairman of PPLA. “With pharmacy closures on the rise, patients must not be left without clear, accessible, printed information about their medications. Providing well-researched, printed PMI is essential to keeping patients informed about their treatment plans when pharmacist access is limited.”
Unfortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a rule limiting access to printed PMI and imposing over $1.6 billion in annual costs on pharmacies. The FDA rule, if enacted, would force more pharmacies to shut their doors and leave vulnerable patients without access to the printed PMI they need to stay healthy.
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) to ensure that all patients receive accurate, printed PMI with every prescription.
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.