Prescription Labels Millions of Patients Can’t Read: RxTran Data Shows Surging Demand for Translated Directions
Washington state becomes fifth state to mandate prescription translation, RxTran urges pharmacies to move now rather than wait; CEO Sharon Blank meets with press at NACDS 2026
Washington state will require pharmacies to provide translated prescription directions upon request beginning Jan. 22, 2027, becoming the fifth state to mandate prescription language access for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP).
The new regulation requires pharmacies to provide complete written translations of prescription directions when requested by patients, prescribers or authorized representatives. Pharmacies must also offer translated labels when a patient’s limited English proficiency is apparent and post notices in the state’s 10 most commonly spoken languages.
The move comes as demand for multilingual prescription labeling continues to rise nationwide. According to RxTran, Spanish remains the most requested language, while requests for Farsi, Vietnamese, Pashto and Burmese have increased significantly over the past year.
Language barriers remain a patient safety concern. Studies have found that patients with limited English proficiency experience higher hospital readmission rates and may struggle to follow medication instructions after discharge.
RxTran, a division of Language Scientific, said the Washington law reflects a broader national trend toward improving medication safety and language access. The company provides prescription translation technology that supports 26 languages and integrates with pharmacy management systems.
Washington joins California, Nevada, New York and Oregon in requiring prescription translation services.
Washington state will require pharmacies to provide translated prescription directions upon request beginning Jan. 22, 2027, becoming the fifth state to mandate prescription language access for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP).
The new regulation requires pharmacies to provide complete written translations of prescription directions when requested by patients, prescribers or authorized representatives. Pharmacies must also offer translated labels when a patient’s limited English proficiency is apparent and post notices in the state’s 10 most commonly spoken languages.
The move comes as demand for multilingual prescription labeling continues to rise nationwide. According to RxTran, Spanish remains the most requested language, while requests for Farsi, Vietnamese, Pashto and Burmese have increased significantly over the past year.
Language barriers remain a patient safety concern. Studies have found that patients with limited English proficiency experience higher hospital readmission rates and may struggle to follow medication instructions after discharge.
RxTran, a division of Language Scientific, said the Washington law reflects a broader national trend toward improving medication safety and language access. The company provides prescription translation technology that supports 26 languages and integrates with pharmacy management systems.
Washington joins California, Nevada, New York and Oregon in requiring prescription translation services.Washington state will require pharmacies to provide translated prescription directions upon request beginning Jan. 22, 2027, becoming the fifth state to mandate prescription language access for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP).
The new regulation requires pharmacies to provide complete written translations of prescription directions when requested by patients, prescribers or authorized representatives. Pharmacies must also offer translated labels when a patient’s limited English proficiency is apparent and post notices in the state’s 10 most commonly spoken languages.
The move comes as demand for multilingual prescription labeling continues to rise nationwide. According to RxTran, Spanish remains the most requested language, while requests for Farsi, Vietnamese, Pashto and Burmese have increased significantly over the past year.
Language barriers remain a patient safety concern. Studies have found that patients with limited English proficiency experience higher hospital readmission rates and may struggle to follow medication instructions after discharge.
RxTran, a division of Language Scientific, said the Washington law reflects a broader national trend toward improving medication safety and language access. The company provides prescription translation technology that supports 26 languages and integrates with pharmacy management systems.
Washington joins California, Nevada, New York and Oregon in requiring prescription translation services.
