DEA published the long-awaited request for comment on the Disposal of Controlled Substances by Persons Not Registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration in the Federal Register on Wednesday, January 21, 2009. According to the Federal Register announcement, “the Drug Enforcement Administration is soliciting information on the disposal of controlled substances dispensed to individual patients, also defined as ultimate users, as well as long term care facilities. DEA is seeking options for the safe and responsible disposal of dispensed controlled substances in a manner consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and its implementing regulations.” The announcement provides a great deal of supplemental information and includes a total of 117 questions addressed to various constituencies, including patients or family members, law enforcement agencies and publicly owned treatment works, concerned interest groups, long term care facilities, hospices and in-home care groups, pharmacies, narcotic treatment programs, reverse distributors, state regulatory agencies, and all interested parties. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone concerned about the proper disposal of unwanted controlled substances to comment, both professionally and personally. Comments are due on or before March 23, 2009.

For more information and to provide comments, visit visit http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-1056.pdf.

ABOUT PHARMECOLOGY ASSOCIATES, LLC -- PharmEcology® Associates, LLC was founded in 2000 to assist healthcare facilities in identifying and managing pharmaceutical waste and works closely with the healthcare and regulatory communities to insure cost-effective and compliant programs. 

Contact us at 414-292-3959 or email us at info@pharmecology.com.