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<DIV>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.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I decided to use, " <FONT face=Tahoma><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><FONT size=2 face=Tahoma>“ultimate users” or others, authorized by the Rule, to act on their behalf."</FONT><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></SPAN> to clarify that the Rule does not include pharmacy waste.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV>Spelled out the time line for Rule implementation, capitalized "Rule" throughout, clarified the salutation, and moved a paragraph.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Ed</DIV>
<DIV><o:p></o:p> </DIV>
<DIV>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>February 28, 2014</P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Dear Pharmacy Manager/Owner,</P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>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.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The Rule should list a take-effect date, sixty days after the publication of the draft.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Creating the new Rule was required by the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act, signed into law in 2010.</P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Anticipated in the Rule are<SPAN style="COLOR: red"> </SPAN>several key provisions, most notably allowing pharmacies to take-back all unwanted and/or unused medications, including controlled substances.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>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.</P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>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.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Clearly, the first pharmacy in the area to offer this service will get the most media attention. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p><o:p></o:p> </P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Once the Rule has taken effect, our organization is planning a public education effort.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We would like to publicize all of the local take-back options that are available.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN> </P></o:p>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Does your pharmacy have plans to host a drop-box at your location?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If so, when is it expected to be open to the public?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We would be happy to help promote your program.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>We are available for consultation if you have any questions regarding the new Rule or about how to set up a take-back program.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Please don’t hesitate to contact us.</P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Sincerely,</P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Ed Gottlieb<BR>Chair, Coalition for Safe Medication Disposal *<BR>Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator <BR><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Ithaca</st1:City></st1:place> Area Wastewater Treatment Facility<BR><st1:address w:st="on"><st1:Street w:st="on">525 3<SUP>rd</SUP> Street</st1:Street><BR><st1:City w:st="on">Ithaca</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">NY</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode w:st="on">14850</st1:PostalCode></st1:address><BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>* The Coalition for Safe Medication Disposal includes representatives of:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Tompkins</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> (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.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>More information can be found at: <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>http://www.healthyyouth.org/medication-disposal.php</P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>Cc: Corporate HQ</P>
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