WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) released the final rule on the Disposal of Controlled Substances, expanding the authorized ways to collect controlled substances for the purpose of disposal. The final rule expands collection opportunities beyond DEA and local law enforcement orchestrated take-back events to include mail-back programs and collection receptacles voluntarily maintained by pharmacies, hospitals and clinics with an onsite pharmacy, narcotic treatment programs and other authorized collectors. 

APhA Executive Vice President and CEO, Thomas E. Menighan, commented on the rule, “APhA has long supported the role of pharmacists in helping the public get unused or expired medications out of their homes. By expanding safe disposal locations, consumers will have more ways to dispose of their unused prescription medications and help keep them out of the wrong hands.”

Menighan continued, “While APhA supports the expansion of public access to secure medication disposal options, we are concerned that issues with safety, liability and cost that may affect participation of pharmacists and pharmacies. APhA looks forward to continuing our work with DEA and other stakeholders in tackling our nation’s prescription drug abuse epidemic.”

About the American Pharmacists Association
The American Pharmacists Association, founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, is a 501 (c)(6) organization, representing more than 62,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and others interested in advancing the profession. APhA, dedicated to helping all pharmacists improve medication use and advance patient care, is the first-established and largest association of pharmacists in the United States. For more information, please visit www.pharmacist.com.