PSNC and Pharmacy Voice have produced a briefing on the requirements of the Accessible Information Standard, which will become law in England on July 31.

The purpose of the standard is to ensure that people who have accessible information and/or communication support needs because of a disability, impairment or sensory loss receive information in a suitable format, ideally of their choice.

From April 1, pharmacy teams should ask patients about any accessible information and/or communication needs they may have and record this on their notes. They should act on this information immediately where possible with small adjustments, but are not legally required to take action until July 31.

The briefing also includes example wording to update materials to ask if patients have information or communication support needs.