The New York State Pharmacy Rescue Package (Assembly Bill A7598) seeks to refine the prescription drug distribution system in NY. On October 5th, pharmacists, patients and other advocates for the bill gathered outside the State Capital to support the bill's passage and urge Governor Hochul to sign her approval. The Pharmacy Rescue Package has already passed the legislature unanimously, and it seeks to protect small, independent pharmacies from being exploited by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

Two bills, SB 3762 and AB 1396, are currently under consideration in the offices of NewYork legislators and being endorsed by independent pharmacists throughout the state.Both bills call for transparency from PBMs and put measures in place that would ensurepharmacies are properly reimbursed for their services.

SB 4807-A, which recently passed the Senate and Assembly, would grant pharmacists the ability to dispense immunizations to patients 18 years and older, under guidelines from the CDC. HPV immunizations are of particular interest in this bill, as New York is one of only 2 states that does not allow pharmacists to administer it. SB 4807-8 comes in response to the integral role pharmacies have played in COVID-19 vaccines; and now pharmacists have the opportunity to expand their role in vaccinating against other diseases.