Bill > S00371

This bill creates a wholesale prescription drug importation program that allows New York to import prescription drugs from Canada to help reduce consumer costs. The program requires the state health commissioner to design a system that complies with federal regulations, focusing on importing prescription drugs that can generate substantial savings for consumers. Key provisions include: only importing drugs from regulated Canadian suppliers, ensuring imported drugs meet FDA safety standards, excluding certain types of drugs like controlled substances and biological products, requiring approved wholesalers to track and trace drug origins, prohibiting sales outside New York, and imposing an annual fee on participating wholesalers. The State Education Department must approve wholesalers, who must apply and pay a fee to participate. The program requires federal approval and certification from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the commissioner must annually report on program implementation, including a list of imported drugs, participating suppliers, and estimated cost savings. The bill includes strong oversight mechanisms, such as the ability to suspend importation of any drug found to violate state or federal laws, and mandates comprehensive tracking and reporting of all imported prescription drugs. The program will take effect 18 months after becoming law, allowing time for regulatory preparation and federal approvals.

Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S371