Bill > A08948

This bill amends the New York mental hygiene law to address prescription opioid abuse by requiring the commissioner of mental hygiene to identify counties with the most prevalent opioid abuse using available data, including information from the public health law. The bill empowers the commissioner, in collaboration with the department of health, to notify local pharmacists about the prevalence of opioid abuse in their county and encourage prescription drug dispensing facilities to distribute educational materials about prescription drug misuse and addiction. The goal is to provide targeted information in areas most severely impacted by the opioid epidemic, helping to raise awareness and potentially reduce prescription drug abuse. The bill will go into effect 60 days after becoming law, allowing time for implementation and preparation of educational materials by relevant agencies and pharmacies.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8948