Governor Signs Legislation to Help NYS Fight Prescription Drug Abuse

Governor Cuomo signed legislation that will help the state crack down harder on prescription drug abuse. The new law includes a series of provisions to overhaul the way prescription drugs are distributed and tracked in New York State, including enacting a "real time" prescription monitoring registry to provide timely and enhanced information to practitioners and pharmacists; requiring all prescriptions to be electronically transmitted; improving safeguards for the distribution of specific prescription drugs that are prone to abuse; charging a workgroup of stakeholders with the responsibility to help guide the development of medical education courses and other public awareness measures regarding pain management and prescription drugs; and requiring the Department of Health to establish a safe disposal program for unused medications.

"Too many families in New York State have suffered the loss of a teenager or youth as a result of prescription drug abuse," Governor Cuomo said. "With this new law, New York State is tackling this problem head-on, and giving law enforcement and medical professionals the tools they need to stop abuse before it occurs and crack down on offenders.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said, "I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this critical piece of legislation. I-STOP will be a national model for smart, coordinated communication between health care providers and law enforcement to better serve patients, stop prescription drug trafficking, and provide treatment to those who need help.
This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and tenacity of the families who turned their loss into action that will help people in our state for years to come. With the governor’s signature today, New York has enacted the most comprehensive system in the nation to protect the public from the devastating consequences of prescription drug abuse."