Governor Hochul vetoed Senate Bill 1974, which sought to allow injured workers to fill prescriptions at any pharmacy of their choice under specific conditions, even if the employer or insurer has a contracted pharmacy network.

The veto was based on the NY Workers' Compensation Board's commitment to addressing the issue through regulatory amendments by year-end.

The Board also announced plans to amend sections 440.3, 440.4, and 441.3 of Title 12 of the NYCRR. The proposed changes will require payers to notify claimants that they may use a non-network pharmacy when the payer has a legal objection to the medication, asserting it is for a condition or injury not yet accepted or established by the Board.

The proposed regulations will be published in the State Register on December 31st, with a 60-day public comment period. Written comments can be emailed to regulations@wcb.ny.gov.