NY S09838

Creates a wholesale prescription drug importation program allowing the Department of Health to import prescription drugs from Canada in compliance with federal law (21 U.S.C. § 384) and FDA safety standards.

Restricts importable drugs to exclude controlled substances, biological products, infused drugs, intravenously injected drugs, and drugs inhaled during surgery; requires imported drugs to generate substantial consumer savings.

Requires approved wholesalers to comply with federal drug tracking and tracing requirements, report detailed information to state commissioners, and prohibits selling imported drugs outside New York State.

Mandates the Commissioner of Health to seek federal approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services before implementing the program and to provide annual reports to the governor and legislature on program performance and cost savings.

Requires prescription drug wholesalers to obtain prior approval from the Department of Education before participating in the program; takes effect eighteen months after enactment.