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Bill

A 10971

Requires the registration of chain and community pharmacies

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alicia Hyndman

The bill requires chain and community pharmacies in New York to register with a state registry to enable oversight, data collection, and ongoing compliance.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 10971

Summary of Bill A.10971 (Session 2025-2026, New York)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill requires the registration of chain and community pharmacies within New York State. Its central aim is to establish a formal registry to identify and track these pharmacy types for oversight, accountability, and workforce/practice regulation purposes.

Key provisions and changes

  • Registration requirement: Chain pharmacies (those with multiple locations under common ownership) and community pharmacies will be mandated to register with a designated state entity. The bill outlines the scope of entities that must register and the information that must be provided.
  • Registration process: Specifies how pharmacies must submit their registration, including any forms, timelines, and supporting documentation. It may include periodic renewal requirements and updates to reflect changes in ownership, location, or licensing status.
  • Data elements: The registry is expected to collect core identifying information such as pharmacy name, addresses of each location, corporate or ownership structure, license numbers, and contact details. There may be separate data fields for chain versus independent community pharmacies.
  • Regulatory oversight and use of data: The registry is intended to support state oversight efforts, potentially aiding in compliance checks, public reporting, and policy analysis related to pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical distribution, and patient access.
  • Enforcement and penalties: The bill likely includes provisions related to non-compliance, such as penalties, fines, or administrative actions for pharmacies that fail to register or provide inaccurate information. It may also specify remedies or opportunities to cure registration deficiencies.
  • Coordination with existing agencies: The registry would interact with state boards or departments responsible for health, pharmacy practice, licensing, and consumer protection.

Who would be affected

  • Chain pharmacies: Multi-location pharmacy chains operating within New York would be directly subject to registration requirements.
  • Community pharmacies: Independent or single-location pharmacies classified as community pharmacies would also fall under registration obligations.
  • Pharmacy owners and operators: Responsible parties include owners, corporate entities, or designated managers who must complete the registration and keep information current.
  • State regulatory bodies: Agencies overseeing pharmacy practice, licensing, and health facility regulation would administer or utilize the registry.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Referral status: As of the latest action, the bill was referred to the Higher Education Committee (April 14, 2026). This implies initial committee review focusing on implications for higher education institutions (e.g., if the bill intersects with pharmacy education or internships), though the exact committee scope may include broader regulatory concerns.
  • Next steps in process: After committee consideration, the bill would proceed to further committee stages, potential amendments, floor votes in both legislative houses, and, if enacted, signature by the Governor. Specific timelines depend on the legislative calendar and any parliamentary negotiations.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Regulatory clarity: Establishing a centralized registry could enhance transparency about pharmacy operations and assist in monitoring compliance with state pharmacist practice standards.
  • Public health and safety: Improved data on pharmacy locations may support efforts to ensure safe dispensing practices and access to medications.
  • Business compliance burden: The registration requirement would impose administrative tasks on pharmacies, including initial registration and ongoing renewal or updates.
  • Data privacy and security: As with other registries, considerations would include safeguarding sensitive business information and ensuring appropriate use.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s described scope and the action history available. If you need, I can tailor this with any additional committee testimony, fiscal notes, or amendments that become available.

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

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