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Bill

Bill

S 3393

Requires that pharmacies that are permanently discontinuing to notify customers of such discontinuance

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Gounardes and 2 co-sponsors

New York law requires pharmacies closing permanently to notify customers in advance, ensuring patients can transfer prescriptions and maintain medication access without disruption.

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Bill Summary · S 3393

Legislative bill overview

S 3393 requires pharmacies in New York that are permanently closing to notify their customers of the discontinuation. The bill establishes notification requirements to ensure patients have adequate time to transfer prescriptions and obtain medications before the pharmacy ceases operations.

Why is this important

Pharmacy closures can disrupt medication access for vulnerable populations, particularly elderly and chronically ill patients who depend on consistent prescription refills. Without advance notice, patients may face gaps in essential medications, potentially causing health complications. The bill addresses a practical consumer protection gap by mandating communication that allows orderly transitions.

Potential points of contention

  • Notification timeline and method: The bill's specific requirements for how far in advance and through what channels pharmacies must notify customers are critical details that could burden small pharmacies or raise compliance questions
  • Definition of "permanent discontinuance": Unclear whether temporary closures, relocations, or ownership changes trigger notification requirements, potentially creating ambiguity in enforcement
  • Enforcement mechanism: The bill may lack specified penalties or enforcement agency responsibility, making it unclear how violations would be addressed and who bears compliance costs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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