[Pharmwaste] Involve DEA

Wed Aug 5 14:56:41 EDT 2009

I want to echo what M.Mireles says about DEA.  The ONDCP guidelines reference take-back programs now and we need to involve them as much as possible.  We have a non-profit here in MN that got a grant through the ONDCP Safe Communities program to collect pharms. Don't wait for HF1191 to direct DEA to work with you. Several states have successful relationships with their DEA and we are working on ours.  My experience has been that they are genuinely concerned that collection does not result in further diversion and we shouldn't discount that. This is a really new area for them, so we need to build trust and help with the learning curve. Don't call or write, invite them to meetings. I think they've come a long way in just the last year. It is helpful to point to examples where DEA has helped support local programs so they make connections with supportive and knowledgeable DEA staffers in other states. The more we can do that, the quicker we'll get consistent responses from DEA.   HHW collection experience, partnered with DEA and local law enforcement, pharmacist associations, HW and SW vendors, DARE, etc. will result in a proud, strong partnership to prevent diversion and more deaths.

Holy cow, I think I just convinced myself this could work, which is timely since I was completely out of energy on this whole thing on Monday.  So far in MN, DEA is most comfortable with permanent collection at law enforcement facilities and with events not located at pharmacies.  We'll take that for starters...Approvals are pending, we just need a push to the finish line.  

________________________________

From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us on behalf of Matthew C. Mireles
Sent: Wed 8/5/2009 1:22 PM
To: Tenace,Laurie; pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Cc: Stevan Gressitt (ME Gov); easmith at communityofcompetence.com
Subject: Re: FW: [Pharmwaste] RE: Texas Pharmaceutical Disposal Programs

Caution advised...

Most patients and consumers cannot distinguish OTC from controlled substances.  If you are collecting non-controlled substance, make sure you don't include controlled substances.  And PLEASE don't refer folks to someone else who doesn't have any idea or business in drug take back.  have you seen the latest ONDCP guidelines?

The best advice is to consult with your local DEA or law enforcement and keep them in the loop.   Whether they support your endeavor or not, ignorance will not get out of jail!  

If you need assistance, contact us.    You may already have heard about the initiative in Maine to limit prescription drugs....

Good luck!

From: provider-bounces at informe.org [mailto:provider-bounces at informe.org] On Behalf Of Provider Notification
Sent: Friday, July 31, 2009 3:59 PM
To: List Serve 
Subject: [Provider] 15-day limit on first-time prescriptions for certaindrugs

MaineCare has begun instituting measures to ensure cost effectiveness through the use of Drug Benefit Management, Drug-Drug editing to ensure education and patient safety, recent PPI limitations and Intensive Benefit Management with controlled substances. 

For a number of years in Maine, research from the Maine Benzodiazepine Study Group, The University of Maine Center on Aging, and in part funded by the only Federal Grant in the US on unused drug return mail back programming has suggested that adherence to medication and other variables may lead to large amounts of unused and discarded medication. Closer evaluation of side effects and efficacy may lead to better patient outcome and better safety for patients with closer evaluation of initial response.

With that, MaineCare will institute new 15 day limits on initial prescriptions for various medication that have been identified with high side effect profiles, high discontinuation rates, or frequent dose adjustments to ensure cost effectiveness without "wasting" or "discarding" of used medications.  Effective 8/6/09 MaineCare will begin limiting initial prescriptions on the following medications, Suboxone, Subutex, Chantix and Nicotine replacement products to 15 day supplies. Initial prescriptions for preferred products over the initial 15 day supply will require prior authorization. Subsequent refills of these products will be allowed at the usual MaineCare allowable days supply.

For further questions please contact Goold Health Systems at 1-888-4450497.