Politics & Government

Corbett Bill Approved: 12-point Font Required On Prescription Drug Labels

The Corbett Bill requires prescription drug labels to use a 12-point font to prevent unneeded patient errors and to keep patients safe.

Provided by the California State Senate

Earlier today, the Assembly Business, Professions and Consumer Protection Committee approved legislation authored by Senate Majority Leader Ellen M. Corbett (D-East Bay) that requires pharmacists to print specific items on a prescription label in at least 12-point font. 

Following the Governor’s signature of SB 472 in 2007 by Senator Corbett, the Board of Pharmacy (Board) was required to standardize the prescription drug label to make it more patient-centered.  The Board consequently conducted a survey in 2009, which found that 60% of participants that responded believed that larger or bolder print would make prescription labels easier to read.

“SB 205 is a patient-centered bill that helps keep patients safe and prevents needless medication use errors by simply requiring pharmacists to print specific items on prescription labels in at least 12 point font.  Those items include patient’s name, drug’s name and strength, directions for use and the condition for which the drug was prescribed,” Senator Corbett said. “Patients should not have to struggle to read their prescriptions since that critical information can clearly protect patients and save their lives.”

California’s population over 60 years of age will increase by over 110 percent from 1990 to 2020, according to the California Department on Aging

What do you think of the approved bill? Good or bad move? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Find out what's happening in Union Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here