Turner advances measure to notify consumers of prescription recalls

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Doris Turner is sponsoring a measure to ensure consumers are aware of any recall on their medications.

"No one should have to read on the internet that their prescription has been recalled," said Turner (D-Springfield). "Hearing from several constituents about this issue made it clear that we need to put a process in place so consumers are directly made aware of any recalls that may affect them."

Senate Bill 3223 would require pharmacists to monitor medication recalls and notify patients of relevant medication recalls at the point of sale and prescribers in a timely manner. Currently, pharmacists do not have a legal responsibility to notify consumers about drug recalls.

"We have to protect consumers," said Turner. "This is a common sense measure that protects people, while increasing awareness to what we're putting in our body."

Senate Bill 3223 passed the Senate Licensed Activities Committee Wednesday.