[Pharmwaste] Starting a take-back program

Massoomi, Fred Fred.Massoomi at nmhs.org
Tue Feb 19 16:29:04 EST 2008


List
I am interested in any information on this topic.
Thank you.
 
Firouzan 'Fred' Massoomi, Pharm.D., FASHP
Nebraska Methodist Hospital
Department of Pharmacy Services
8303 Dodge St.
Omaha, NE  68114
 
(402) 354-4340 office            (402) 354-3139 fax
A proud supporter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society
 

________________________________

From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us
[mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Lauer,
Michelle
Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 9:11 AM
To: pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: [Pharmwaste] Starting a take-back program



Hello: 
         I am new to the list-serve and on the environmental stewardship
committee of my hospital. Recently, we received a grant from DNREC to
start a medication take back program for the community and planned to do
so at three out-patient hospital pharmacies. The plan is to purchase
secure, locked bins and for the public to come during pharmacy hours and
dispose of meds. We did not want to exclude controlled substances, as
there would really be no one continuously monitoring what was dropped in
the bins, and of course, we want to collect as much as possible in order
to divert from going down the drain. The DEA has stepped in, with
controlled substance act in hand, and said "NO" -  stating that even if
we said, "No controlled substances" the public would not be able to
distinguish and therefore not an option. Also, that controlled
substances cannot be returned to a 'registrant', although no one in the
pharmacy would be handling the meds. 

        I am seeking any advice regarding moving forward with our
program. How have other systems or communities navigated this roadblock?
Also, what, if anything, is being done at this time to amend the
controlled substance act? What is the role of the EPA in interfacing
with the DEA to advocate for providing waivers in order to decrease the
introduction of all pharmaceuticals into water? 

Thanks! 

Michelle Lauer, RN, BSN, BC 
Patient Care Coordinator - Psychiatry 
428-2117 or pager # 884-9440 





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