Bill > S05299

This bill requires prescription containers for opioid medications to have additional safety labeling and visual warnings to help prevent overdose and addiction. Specifically, the legislation amends the public health law to mandate that opioid medication containers be sealed with a red cap top that prominently displays a warning such as "Caution: OPIOID. Risk of overdose and addiction" or similar language approved by the state department of health. If red cap tops are not immediately available due to production challenges, pharmacies can temporarily use red stickers that cover most of the existing cap. The bill also maintains existing requirements that controlled substance containers be labeled with an orange label or transparent orange tape to indicate they are controlled substances. The new labeling requirements will go into effect 180 days after the bill becomes law, giving manufacturers and pharmacies time to implement the new packaging standards. The goal of these changes is to increase patient awareness of the potential risks associated with opioid medications and help prevent misuse.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5299