RxTran Calls for Improved Pharmacy Language Access
News related to:RxTran · 2 min read
The release states that more than 28 million U.S. residents have limited English proficiency. In one study of more than 400,000 hospitalized adults, patients with limited English proficiency had 33% higher odds of readmission within seven days. This underscores the critical need for improved language access in healthcare settings, particularly pharmacies, where patients rely on prescription directions to safely take their medications.
The white paper notes that while five states have specific laws regulating prescription label translation, no two states require the same languages. Washington’s rule, WAC 246-945-029, sets no language limit and is effective January 22, 2027. This lack of uniformity means that pharmacies may not be providing the necessary language support to all patients who need it.
The white paper also points out that compliance with state laws is insufficient. The right standard, according to Sharon Blank, CEO of Language Scientific and RxTran, is accountable language access, where a qualified professional verifies every translated label and can stand behind it. A patient should walk out of the pharmacy able to safely take their medicine.
RxTran, the company behind the white paper, provides pharmacy translations that are verified by a licensed bilingual pharmacist. Its library of more than 1 million pre-translated prescription directions passes a five-step quality control review before reaching a patient. The company’s patented Transduction technology allows pharmacists to confirm the meaning of a translation in English before it reaches the patient.
The white paper recommends that pharmacies adopt accountable language access, which involves human clinical validation of every translation. It also suggests that pharmacies integrate with software and data partners to provide translations efficiently.
RxTran’s translations are integrated with most major pharmacy software and data partners used across independent and chain pharmacies, including Best Computer Systems, Computer-Rx, Datascan, En-Vision, Foundation Systems, Gold Standard/Elsevier, Liberty Software, PDX Enterprise Pharmacy System, QS/1, Rx30, ScriptPro, Speed Script, and SRS Pharmacy Systems. Pharmacies without an integrated system can reach translations through RxTran’s web platform.
The white paper concludes that while state mandates are necessary, they are not sufficient on their own. The right standard is accountable language access, where a qualified professional verifies every translated label and can stand behind it. This ensures that patients can safely take their medications, which is a critical aspect of patient safety in the healthcare system.
RxTran’s white paper is a call to action for pharmacists, pharmacy leaders, legislators, and state boards of pharmacy to ensure that pharmacies provide adequate language access to patients with limited English proficiency. The company’s patented Transduction technology and rigorous quality control processes are designed to help pharmacies achieve this standard.