Cal. Code Regs. tit. 16 § 1707.6

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 49, December 6, 2024

Section 1707.6 - Notice to Consumers

(a) Every pharmacy shall post a notice containing the text in subsection (b) and shall place the notice in a conspicuous place, physically accessible to a prescription drug consumer (consumer) so that the consumer can easily read the notice, and use the QR code displayed on the notice to obtain language translation of the notice. Such notice shall be posted at all locations where a consumer receives medication. Each pharmacy shall use the standardized poster-sized notice provided or made available by the board, unless the pharmacy has received prior approval of another format or display methodology from the board. The board may delegate authority to a committee or to the Executive Officer to give the approval. As an alternative to a printed notice, the pharmacy may also or instead display the notice on a video screen located in a place conspicuous to and readable by consumers, so long as:

(1) The video screen is at least 24 inches, measured diagonally;

(2) The pharmacy utilizes the video image notice provided by the board;

(3) The text of the notice remains on the screen for a minimum of 60 seconds;

(4) The video screen utilizes QR code technology for the consumer to access translation of the notice, with sufficient display time for consumers to access the QR code; and

(5) No more than five minutes elapses between displays of any notice on the screen, as measured between the time that a one-screen notice or the final screen of a multi-screen notice ceases to display and the time that the first or only page of that notice re-displays. The pharmacy may seek approval of another format or display methodology from the board. The board may delegate authority to a committee or to the Executive Officer to give the approval.

(b) The notice must also include a QR code that assists limited-English-proficient individuals and informs consumers that the QR code may be used to obtain a translation of the notice. Consumers must be able to use the QR code to obtain translation of the notice in Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, English, Farsi, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Khmer / Cambodian, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese. It shall contain the following text:

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

California law requires a pharmacist to speak with you upon your request, every time you get a new prescription, and every time you get a new prescription dosage form, strength, or written directions.

Interpreter services are available to you upon request at no cost.

TALK TO THE EXPERT -- SPEAK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST

Before you leave the pharmacy, CHECK::

* The patient name on the label is correct;

* The medication matches the description on the label;

* The name of the medicine and what it does;

* How and when to take the medication, for how long, and what to do if you miss a dose;

* Possible side effects and what you should do if they occur;

* Whether the medication will work safely with other medicines or supplements; and

* What foods, drinks, or activities should be avoided while taking the medicine.

The address and contact information for consumers to send any complaints about the pharmacy:

CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY

2720 GATEWAY OAKS DRIVE, SUITE 100

SACRAMENTO, CA 95833

(916) 518-3100

www.pharmacy.ca.gov.

This pharmacy must provide any medicine or device legally prescribed for you, unless you are unable to pay the cost of the drug or device or the pharmacist determines doing so would be against the law or potentially harmful to the patient's health. If a medicine or device is not immediately available, the pharmacy will work with you to help you get your medicine or device in a timely manner.

You may ask this pharmacy for information on drug pricing and use of generic drugs.

(c) Every pharmacy, in a place conspicuous to and readable by a prescription drug consumer, at or adjacent to each counter in the pharmacy where dangerous drugs are dispensed or furnished, shall post or provide a notice containing the following text:

Point to your language. Interpreter services will be provided to you upon request at no cost.

This text shall be repeated in Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, English, Farsi, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Khmer / Cambodian, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese.

Each pharmacy shall use the standardized notice provided or made available by the board, unless the pharmacy has received prior approval of another format or display methodology from the board. The board may delegate authority to a committee or to the Executive Officer to give the approval.

The pharmacy may post this notice in paper form or on a video screen if the posted notice or video screen is positioned so that a consumer can easily point to and touch the statement identifying the language in which they request assistance. Otherwise, the notice shall be made available on a flyer or handout clearly visible from and kept within easy reach of each counter in the pharmacy where dangerous drugs are dispensed or furnished, available at all hours that the pharmacy is open. The flyer or handout shall be at least 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches.

(d) As an alternative to posting the notice from subdivision (b) in a conspicuous place, pharmacies may instead provide the notice on a patients' written receipt.

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 16, § 1707.6

Note: Authority cited: Sections 4005 and 4122, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 733, 4005, 4076.5 and 4122, Business and Professions Code.

1. New section filed 1-17-2012; operative 2-16-2012 (Register 2012, No. 3).
2. Amendment filed 3-27-2024; operative 7/1/2024 (Register 2024, No. 14).