NACDS-backed drug disposal bill passes Senate committee
The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced a bill that would offer federal grant funding to five states to assist with safe medication disposal. The Access to Increased Drug Disposal Act, which is backed by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, was introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Ia., and co-sponsored by Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Ia., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.
The bill would create a demonstration program that would give five states federal grant funding to assist authorized drug disposal collectors with the cost of purchasing, maintaining and installing drug take-back kiosks, as well as the cost of disposal of collected drugs and staff training.
“NACDS appreciates the leadership of Senator Ernst, Chairman Grassley and Senator Blumenthal in advancing this legislation, and we urge continued focus on this bill in the Senate and in the House of Representatives,” NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson said. “Chain pharmacies support and help make possible patient access to safe and effective methods for disposal of unwanted prescription medications. This legislation will help to keep opioids out of the wrong hands and will figure significantly in a comprehensive effort to help address the opioid abuse epidemic.”
NACDS also has endorsed the bill’s companion legislation in the House of Representatives, which was introduced in April. The bill is seen as in-line with the organization’s policy recommendations, which also include limits on initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to seven days, mandatory electronic prescribing and the creation of a national prescription drug monitoring program.
The bill would create a demonstration program that would give five states federal grant funding to assist authorized drug disposal collectors with the cost of purchasing, maintaining and installing drug take-back kiosks, as well as the cost of disposal of collected drugs and staff training.
“NACDS appreciates the leadership of Senator Ernst, Chairman Grassley and Senator Blumenthal in advancing this legislation, and we urge continued focus on this bill in the Senate and in the House of Representatives,” NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson said. “Chain pharmacies support and help make possible patient access to safe and effective methods for disposal of unwanted prescription medications. This legislation will help to keep opioids out of the wrong hands and will figure significantly in a comprehensive effort to help address the opioid abuse epidemic.”
NACDS also has endorsed the bill’s companion legislation in the House of Representatives, which was introduced in April. The bill is seen as in-line with the organization’s policy recommendations, which also include limits on initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain to seven days, mandatory electronic prescribing and the creation of a national prescription drug monitoring program.