Relates to the distribution of educational materials regarding the misuse of and addiction to prescription drugs in counties with the most prevalent prescription substance use disorder.
Summary
This bill amends the Mental Hygiene Law to direct the commissioner of the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, using available data including public health information, to identify New York counties where prescription opioid abuse is most prevalent. In those counties, the commissioner may notify licensed pharmacists, in coordination with the Department of Health, about the local prevalence of opioid abuse and encourage facilities that dispense prescription drugs to distribute educational materials about the misuse of and addiction to prescription drugs.
The measure is aimed at targeted public education and prevention rather than regulation or enforcement. It focuses on getting informational materials into pharmacies and other dispensing facilities in the counties most affected by opioid abuse, with the goal of increasing awareness among patients and communities at higher risk.
Impact
The bill would add a new paragraph to section 19.09 of the Mental Hygiene Law, creating a county-targeted educational outreach program tied to prescription opioid abuse data. It does not create penalties or mandate distribution, but gives the commissioner authority to identify high-prevalence counties and to notify pharmacists and encourage distribution of materials. The practical impact would be on the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the Department of Health, licensed pharmacists, and prescription drug dispensing facilities in affected counties.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no direct evidence of legislative debate or recorded support/opposition. Based on the bill text, the measure appears to reflect a public-health-oriented approach to the opioid crisis, emphasizing education and prevention. The overall tone of the proposal is remedial and collaborative rather than punitive.
Contention
The bill text itself suggests limited formal controversy because it is permissive rather than mandatory, but potential points of contention could include how counties are identified, what data sources are used, and whether pharmacists or dispensing facilities may view the outreach as burdensome. Another possible issue is the discretion given to the commissioner, which could raise questions about consistency in implementation across counties. No specific opposing or supporting viewpoints are documented in the provided materials.
Same As
Relates to the distribution of educational materials regarding the misuse of and addiction to prescription drugs in counties with the most prevalent abuse of prescription opioids.
Relates to the distribution of educational materials regarding the misuse of and addiction to prescription drugs in counties with the most prevalent abuse of prescription opioids.
Authorizes insurance policies which provide coverage for prescription drugs where cost-sharing obligations are determined by category of prescription drugs to offer a program to insureds that utilizes rebates or discounts to lower an insured's cost-sharing for prescription drugs if the insured's cost-sharing under such program would be more favorable than the cost-sharing that would otherwise be applicable to the prescription drug.
Authorizes insurance policies which provide coverage for prescription drugs where cost-sharing obligations are determined by category of prescription drugs to offer a program to insureds that utilizes rebates or discounts to lower an insured's cost-sharing for prescription drugs if the insured's cost-sharing under such program would be more favorable than the cost-sharing that would otherwise be applicable to the prescription drug.
Establishes a pilot program on the referenced rate for prescription drugs; relates to reducing the cost of prescription drugs by establishing maximum wholesale drug prices that are the same as the prices in Canada.
Establishes a pilot program on the referenced rate for prescription drugs; relates to reducing the cost of prescription drugs by establishing maximum wholesale drug prices that are the same as the prices in Canada.
Enacts the "foreign drug transparency act" to provide information on the origin, manufacture and distribution of prescription drugs; requires a pharmacy benefit manager to maintain, and make available to pharmacies, health plans, and patients upon request, supply chain information for prescription drugs covered under its network.
Enacts the "foreign drug transparency act" to provide information on the origin, manufacture and distribution of prescription drugs; requires a pharmacy benefit manager to maintain, and make available to pharmacies, health plans, and patients upon request, supply chain information for prescription drugs covered under its network.