Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Expand Patient Access and Tackle the Rising Cost of Prescription Drugs

 

Legislation S.599-A/A.1707 Requires Manufacturers of Certain Prescription Drugs to Notify the Department of Financial Services of Any Proposed Wholesale Increase Costs for Prescription Drugs

Legislation A.6779-A/S.6337-A Expands Administration of Medications for Treatment of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder and by a Pharmacist; Requires the Administering Pharmacist to Notify the Prescribing Physician of the Administration of the Medication

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed two pieces of legislation aimed at lowering the price of prescription drugs and making the administration of pharmaceutical drugs safer. Legislation S.599-A/A.1707 increases the transparency requirements concerning prescription drug costs. Legislation A.6779-A/S.6337-A makes the administration of drugs by pharmacists safer and more accessible to patients by authorizing administering of additional medications for treatment of mental health and substance use disorder and requiring communication of the administration between the pharmacist and the prescribing physician.

“Too many New Yorkers are struggling with the high cost of prescription drugs – and I am committed to doing everything in my power to help,” Governor Hochul said. “This legislation will increase transparency and safety for all New Yorkers.”

Legislation S.599-A/A.1707 increases price transparency by ensuring that price increases are reported to the State through the Department of Financial Services. Legislation A.6779-A/S.6337-A expands the universe of injectable medications available to patients through pharmacies and addresses medical transparency as it relates to pharmacists and prescribing physicians. By requiring pharmacists to notify prescribing physicians of the administration of medication, New York is requiring a layer of communication that will keep patients safe.