[Pharmwaste] Letter to Pharmacies

[Ed Gottlieb]

In case any of you are thinking of using the letter as a template, a new
draft, improved with input from Margaret S. and Allen G., is below.
 
I decided to use, " “ultimate users” or others, authorized by the Rule,
to act on their behalf."   to clarify that the Rule does not include
pharmacy waste.
Spelled out the time line for Rule implementation, capitalized "Rule"
throughout, clarified the salutation, and moved a paragraph.
 
Ed
 

February 28, 2014
 
Dear Pharmacy Manager/Owner,
 
As you are probably aware, the DEA announced that they will release a
draft Rule in March regarding the collection and disposal of unwanted
medications from “ultimate users” or others, authorized by the Rule, to
act on their behalf.  The Rule should list a take-effect date, sixty
days after the publication of the draft.  Creating the new Rule was
required by the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act, signed into
law in 2010.
 
Anticipated in the Rule are several key provisions, most notably
allowing pharmacies to take-back all unwanted and/or unused medications,
including controlled substances.  It is also expected that pharmacies
will be allowed to set-up collection stations in Long-term Care
Facilities. Participation will be a voluntary public service; there will
be no federal funding available to implement collection programs. The
Rule should include conditions governing collection procedures, storage
containers, and disposal requirements.
 
We are happy that a more convenient option, compared to the drop-boxes
we placed in law enforcement buildings, could soon be available.
Considering the extensive publicity that CVS recently received for no
longer selling tobacco, we think any pharmacy that takes advantage of
this new opportunity will benefit.  Clearly, the first pharmacy in the
area to offer this service will get the most media attention.
 
Once the Rule has taken effect, our organization is planning a public
education effort.  We would like to publicize all of the local take-back
options that are available.
 
Does your pharmacy have plans to host a drop-box at your location?  If
so, when is it expected to be open to the public?  We would be happy to
help promote your program.
 
We are available for consultation if you have any questions regarding
the new Rule or about how to set up a take-back program.  Please don’t
hesitate to contact us.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Ed Gottlieb
Chair, Coalition for Safe Medication Disposal *
Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility
525 3rd Street
Ithaca, NY 14850


* The Coalition for Safe Medication Disposal includes representatives
of:
Tompkins County (TC) Health Dept., TC Administration, TC Sheriff,
Lifelong, TC Senior Citizens’ Council, Inc., Community Coalition for
Healthy Youth, Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility, and an RN “at
large” member.  More information can be found at:
http://www.healthyyouth.org/medication-disposal.php
 
Cc: Corporate HQ

 
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