What's happening
This bill makes theft or unlawful possession of a blank official New York State prescription form a crime, punishable as a class A misdemeanor.
Why it matters
Addresses prescription drug abuse and fraud. By making it a crime to steal or unlawfully possess blank prescription forms, the bill aims to prevent the illegal creation and distribution of fraudulent prescriptions, which are a key driver of opioid and controlled substance abuse.
Targets supply chain vulnerabilities. Medical offices and pharmacies are often targeted for their prescription pads; this law creates a specific deterrent and legal mechanism to prosecute individuals who attempt to exploit this weak link in the regulatory system.
Creates accountability for unauthorized possession. The bill clearly defines who is authorized to possess blank prescription forms (licensed professionals and their employees during work), closing a loophole that could be exploited by individuals seeking to divert prescription forms for illegal purposes.
Aligns legal penalties with public health priorities. By establishing criminal penalties specifically for prescription form theft or possession, the law underscores the seriousness of prescription-related crimes and supports broader efforts to combat prescription drug diversion in New York.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Criminalize Stolen Prescription Forms
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
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History
- Referred to codes
- Referred to codes
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Ban Prescription Form Theft
In Senate Committee · Codes · Sponsor Kemp Hannon
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6753
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
March 17, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. CUSICK -- read once and referred to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to the theft and unlawful possession of a blank official New York state prescription form
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivisions 9, 10 and 11 of section 155.30 of the penal law, subdivision 9 as amended by chapter 479 of the laws of 2010, subdivision 10 as added by chapter 491 of the laws of 1992 and subdivision 11 as added by chapter 394 of the laws of 2005, are amended and a new subdivision 12 is added to read as follows:
9. The property consists of a scroll, religious vestment, a vessel, an item comprising a display of religious symbols which forms a representative expression of faith, or other miscellaneous item of property which:
(a) has a value of at least one hundred dollars; and
(b) is kept for or used in connection with religious worship in any building, structure or upon the curtilage of such building or structure used as a place of religious worship by a religious corporation, as incorporated under the religious corporations law or the education law[.]; or
10. The property consists of an access device which the person intends to use unlawfully to obtain telephone service[.]; or
11. The property consists of anhydrous ammonia or liquified ammonia gas and the actor intends to use, or knows another person intends to use, such anhydrous ammonia or liquified ammonia gas to manufacture methamphetamine[.]; or
12. The property consists of a blank official New York state prescription form, as set forth in section two hundred eighty-one of the public health law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02905-01-7
A. 6753 2
§ 2. Subdivisions 6 and 7 of section 165.45 of the penal law, subdivision 6 as added by chapter 450 of the laws of 1990 and subdivision 7 as added by chapter 394 of the laws of 2005, are amended and a new subdivision 8 is added to read as follows:
6. The property consists of a scroll, religious vestment, vessel or other item of property having a value of at least one hundred dollars kept for or used in connection with religious worship in any building or structure used as a place of religious worship by a religious corporation, as incorporated under the religious corporations law or the education law[.]; or
7. The property consists of anhydrous ammonia or liquified ammonia gas and the actor intends to use, or knows another person intends to use, such anhydrous ammonia or liquified ammonia gas to manufacture methamphetamine[.]; or
8. The property consists of a blank official New York state prescription form, as set forth in section two hundred eighty-one of the public health law.
§ 3. The penal law is amended by adding a new section 220.67 to read as follows: § 220.67 Criminal possession of a prescription form.
A person is guilty of criminal possession of a prescription form when such person knowingly possesses a blank official New York state prescription form, as set forth in section two hundred eighty-one of the public health law, unless:
(a) such person is legally authorized, according to the laws and regulations of New York state, to possess such prescription form; or
(b) such person is an employee of a person legally authorized to possess such prescription form, according to the laws and regulations of New York state, and possesses such prescription form during the course and scope of such person's employment.
Criminal possession of a prescription form is a class A misdemeanor.
§ 4. This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date upon which it shall have become a law.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.