S982

The New York State Senate passed Senate Print 982, sponsored by Sen. Rolison, which amends the Executive Law. The bill received unanimous approval on a roll call vote of 58-0. The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment.

The New York State Senate passed S982, sponsored by Sen. Brouk, which would codify emergency measures allowing non-resident pharmacies to fulfill prescriptions in the state. The bill passed on a roll call vote, 62-0. The measure extends to small independent pharmacies a practice that large corporate pharmacies have long been permitted to do, enabling them to better serve underserved communities in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Brouk explained the bill emerged from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and addresses ongoing supply chain challenges and emerging health threats. She illustrated the need with an anecdote about an emergency room nurse unable to guarantee a prescription for amoxicillin to a 4-year-old's family, arguing the state must do everything possible to ensure medication access. The bill takes effect 90 days after becoming law.