13-071 Code Vt. R. 13-140-071-X - SAFE DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICATION

Section 1.0 Authority

This rule is adopted pursuant to 18 V.S.A. § 5291.

Section 2.0 Purpose

This rule provides the requirements for the safe disposal of unused medication prescribed to a patient utilizing the 18 V.S.A. chapter 113, Patient Choice at the End of Life.

Section 3.0 Definitions

3.1 "Cat litter" means a granulated clay or like substance that is manufactured with the intent that it be placed in a container where it absorbs the waste products of a cat or dog.

3.2 "Unused" means a legally prescribed dose of medication that is not ingested by patient to whom the dose was prescribed.

3.4 "Lawful means" means those methods that are approved of by the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

3.5 "Drag take-back programs" are state and federal programs, approved by the DEA, that provide for the drop-off of unused, unwanted, or expired medications at designated sites.

Section 4.0 Safe Disposal

4.1 Any medication dispensed under 18 V.S.A. chapter 113 that is not self-administered, must be disposed of by lawful means. Lawful means include:

a. Following the disposal instructions, if any, found on the medications label;

b. Drug take-back programs that allow the public to bring, or send, drugs to a disposal center;

c. Mix the crushed or liquid medication with a substance to make it unusable and unrecognizable such as coffee grounds or cat litter and dispose of the mixture in a sealed bag as solid waste;

d. Other approved methodologies described at the websites of the Vermont Department of Health (http://healthvermont.gov/) and the Federal Drug Administration's (www.fda.gov).

Notes

13-071 Code Vt. R. 13-140-071-X

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 18 V.S.A. § 5291
EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2014 Secretary of State Rule Log #13-041