Overview

This bill mandates a prominent warning symbol on pharmaceuticals that affect the brain and central nervous system and could impair a person's ability to safely operate machinery or drive, posing a danger to themselves or others. The Secretary of State will determine which drugs require this warning and the design of the symbol.

Description

The Pharmaceutical Labelling (Warning of Cognitive Function Impairment) Bill aims to improve patient safety. It requires a warning symbol on the packaging of specified psychoactive pharmaceuticals.

Key aspects include:

• The Secretary of State will identify specific psychoactive pharmaceuticals that can impair cognitive function to a dangerous degree, affecting driving or machinery operation.
• These pharmaceuticals will be required to display a prominent warning symbol on their packaging. The Secretary of State will determine the symbol's design and size.
• The Secretary of State can establish offenses and penalties for non-compliance.
• All orders and regulations regarding this bill must be approved by both Houses of Parliament.
• The Act will apply to England and Wales only.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify any direct government spending. The costs will likely involve the creation and implementation of regulations, enforcement, and potential penalties. However, no specific figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Pharmaceutical Companies: Will need to redesign packaging to include the warning symbol and comply with new regulations. They could face penalties for non-compliance.
• Consumers: Will be directly affected by the warning symbols, potentially increasing awareness of potential side effects.
• Healthcare Professionals: Will need to be aware of the new regulations and the warning symbol’s meaning.
• Government Agencies: Will be responsible for enforcement and potentially managing any resulting legal cases.

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