Hazardous Drug Handling Protocol from USP <800>

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is a private, non-profit, organization although many standards issued by the USP are enforced at many regulatory agencies including the Joint Commission and individual state’s Boards of Pharmacy. The latest chapter, USP General Chapter <800>, provides standards for the safe handling of hazardous drugs in …

Waste Segregation is Key to a Successful Drug Disposal Program

Segregating pharmaceutical waste in hospitals or healthcare clinics at the source is part of a good plan for safe drug disposal that meets federal regulations.  The Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, and the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, provide federal regulations regarding the safe and compliant handling and disposal of pharmaceutical waste. …

21 CFR: If It’s not Documented It Didn’t Happen

Maintaining a pharmaceutical waste disposal program that meets federal regulations must comply with DEA Code of Federal Regulations, CFR, 21, 40 and 42.  These regulations pertain to the methods of drug waste disposal deemed safe and compliant by the Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA.  Every facility, DEA registrant, distributor or reverse …

DEA Definition of Non Retrievable

DEA Definition of Non Retrievable June 04, 2024 | Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) plays a pivotal role in regulating the secure destruction of controlled substances. Among the methods endorsed by the DEA is the concept of “non-retrievable” disposal, ensuring that disposed drugs cannot be recovered or …

Navigating the Dental Industries Role in the Ongoing Opioid Challenge

Navigating the Dental Industries Role in the Ongoing Opioid Challenge March 04, 2024 | Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal The Crucial Role of Dentists in the Opioid Epidemic Dentists play a pivotal role in the opioid epidemic, serving as major prescribers of pain medications for various dental and oral surgical procedures. The …

Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) Measures Opioid Use in Communities

Opioid use is an epidemic in United States and researchers are coming up with new ways to evaluate opioid use in communities.  A study published in the National Institutes of Health used robotic technology to measure levels of opioid metabolites in various manholes at 10 different sites in North Carolina. …

Just How Big Is the Prescription Drug Water Contamination Problem?

Just How Big is the Prescription Drug Water Contamination Problem? April 04, 2024 | Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Prescription drugs play a vital role in modern healthcare, providing relief and treatment for various medical conditions. However, the improper disposal of these medications poses a significant threat to the environment and public …

FDIC International

FDIC International offers 35,000+ Fire & Rescue professionals from 65+ countries around the world, quality world-class instructors, classrooms, workshops, H.O.T. evolutions and the most innovative products and services available to the industry displayed by over 800 exhibiting companies. The FDIC Experience is more than your traditional trade show it’s about …

Improper Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Will Cost You

Improperly disposing of pharmaceuticals creates potentially dangerous consequences with one of the greatest threats causing danger to humans and animals. Improper pharmaceutical waste disposal also causes staggering consequences to the environment. Improper handling, storage or disposal of pharmaceutical waste creates hazards within the workplace as well as safety hazards to …

OSHA Guidelines for Medical Waste

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not regulate the final disposal of medical waste, although the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard created in 1991 has specific requirements regarding specific types of waste.  The purpose of the standard is to protect the more than 5.6 million healthcare workers …

Which Form Documents the Destruction of Controlled Substances

Which Form Documents the Destruction of Controlled Substances? Many federal and state rules apply to the administration, management, storage, and destruction of controlled substances. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), outlines the regulations that govern disposal of controlled substances by ultimate users and registrants in DEA 21 CFR, Code of Federal …

Challenges to Cost-Effective Medication Management in Correctional Facilities

Administering medication in any clinical setting comes with several challenges and risks such as opportunities for error, drug diversion and cost constraints.  Managing medication in a jail or prison is even more challenging for nurses and medical staff.  Medication management in correctional facilities requires daily administration of drugs to thousands …

Diversion of Controlled Drugs from Hospitals

The diversion of controlled drugs from hospitals has been a rising problem across the United States and Canada with hospitals feeling pressure to implement safeguards that prevent drug diversion. According to the International Narcotics Control Board, the United States and Canada are the two highest consumers per capita of opioids …

Veterinary Handling, Storage and Disposal of Controlled Substances

Prescription medications including controlled substances can help people and animals when they are used correctly. These same medications can be extremely dangerous to humans and animals if they are handled, stored, or disposed of improperly. Veterinary practices as well as animal hospitals, zoos and animal clinics must follow strict policies …

Why Is Non-Retrievable Waste Disposal of Controlled Substances Important?

Secure Disposal of Controlled Substances Is Critical  The safe and secure disposal of expired medications is a key strategy to prevent drug diversion, accidental ingestion, and pollution. Rendering controlled substances non-retrievable provides for a safe and secure disposal of controlled substances and is a compliant method of destruction in accordance …

Procedures for the Destruction of Non-Controlled Substances

Disposing of pharmaceutical waste properly is important to protect the environment and to prevent expired medications from falling into the wrong hands. Facilities that dispense medications must have a comprehensive medication disposal handling, storage and disposal policy that is clearly communicated to all personnel. Easy to use drug disposal products …

What Are the Effects of Pharmaceutical Waste on the Environment?

What Are the Effects of Pharmaceutical Waste on the Environment? July 10, 2023 | Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Pharmaceutical Waste and the Impacts on the Environment Pharmaceutical waste can have various negative effects on ecosystems when it is not properly managed. The effects of pharmaceutical waste on the environment have been …

Drug Diversion Training and Best Practice Prescribing of Controlled Substances

Drug diversion in healthcare is a huge problem in the United States with an estimated one in 10 healthcare workers addicted to or abusing drugs. Drug diversion is a threat to the safety of patients, for hospital staff and facilities facing fines and serious penalties. A comprehensive Controlled Substances Diversion …

Registrant Disclosure of Loss Diversion or Destruction of Controlled Substances

What should a facility do when they discover controlled substances are lost or missing? Drug diversion in healthcare is a serious problem contributing to the opioid epidemic in the United States. Is critical that all facilities follow meticulous procedures to account for all medications, especially controlled substances. Registrants who notice …

Nursing Home Witness Signing for Destruction of Controlled Substances

Nursing homes, long-term care facilities and hospitals are the largest generators of pharmaceutical waste in the United States, generating more than 84,000 tons of medication waste each year, according to an article in Patient Safety and Quality Healthcare. Disposing of pharmaceutical waste and nursing homes can be complex and confusing …

Public Health Centers in Need of Pharmaceutical Disposal Methods

Public health facilities like homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and crisis facilities are faced with particular challenges regarding the management and proper disposal of unused and expired pharmaceuticals. Many people that come to these public health centers are in need of healthcare and are currently taking or should be taking …

21 CFR 1308 – Drug Diversion & The DEA

Managing pharmaceutical waste in health care facilities and any organization which manages medications such as correctional facilities, must carefully regulate the control and disposal of pharmaceutical waste.  Facilities must meet updated Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, regulations which amend the Controlled Substances Act, as well as Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, requirements …

What Regulations Govern Medication Waste in Dentistry?

Many dentists will agree that one of the most challenging things for them to keep up with is maintaining full compliance to all regulations regarding the medication waste in dentistry.  Dental offices and oral surgeons need to use a variety of medications in the course of their treatments such as …

Rx Destroyer™ Offers a Drug Mail Back Program

C2R Global Manufacturing, Inc. focuses on meeting the needs of our customers with a drug mail back disposal program that is easy to use and compliant to federal regulations. Our wide selection of drug disposal containers are available for controlled and non-controlled medications. Rx Destroyer can handle both solid and …

Controlled Substance Destruction Matters: Here’s Why

When disposing of or destroying unused controlled substances, the method of controlled substance destruction matters for a couple of especially important reasons. Prior to regulations issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, and the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, flushing unused or expired medications down the drain was a typical practice …

Why Do We Care About Pharmaceutical Waste Compliance?

  There are many reasons why everyone should be concerned about pharmaceutical waste and compliance to safe disposal practices. Improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste causes serious contamination to the environment primarily showing up in water supplies.  With the current opioid epidemic in the United States, improper disposal of controlled substances …

Proud to Participate in the ONDCP Drug Disposal Conference

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) works to reduce drug use, abuse, and the consequences associated with drug diversion as part of the Executive Office of the President of the United States. The ONDCP is tasked with leading, coordinating, developing, implementing, and assessing the U.S. drug policy.  The …

Turnkey Solutions for Compliant Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

It is now more important than ever before for hospitals and all healthcare facilities to follow a strict medication waste disposal policy compliant to all federal regulations. There are hefty fines facing hospitals and healthcare facilities that violate DEA Code of Federal Regulations, CFR 21 as outlined in SUBCHAPTER I, …

Best Practices for Medical Waste Segregation Management Part IV: Conclusion

While every healthcare facility recognizes the importance of medical waste segregation and proper disposal, the challenges facing busy or understaffed healthcare facilities allow for unsafe, noncompliant practices to continue.  Prior to the most recent DEA Code of Federal Regulations, CFR 21 effective September of 2014, and the EPA 40 CFR …

Best Practices for Medical Waste Segregation Management Part III: Challenges

All healthcare facilities must have optimal policies and procedures in place for the effective segregation and disposal of medical waste.  There are many contributing factors that make safe and compliant medical waste disposal a challenge in busy, healthcare facilities. Due to the enormity and the plethora of medical waste generated …

Best Practices for Medical Waste Segregation Management Part II: Methodology

There are many large healthcare systems with robust waste management programs across the United States.  Individual facilities may have different pharmaceutical waste disposal practices for various types of medical waste due to unique facility policies, procedures, and state regulations.  Regardless of facility or state regulations, it is helpful to segregate …

Best Practices for Medical Waste Segregation Management: Introduction

Medical waste disposal practices are regulated by the federal government under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Medical waste disposal regulations may vary from state to state although they must be at least as stringent as federal regulations. Additionally, each healthcare institution may institute their …

Controlled Substance Disposal Policy and Procedures

Controlled Substance Disposal Policy and Procedures An effective controlled substance disposal policy is mandatory to protect healthcare workers, patients and medical facilities. Healthcare workers are at an increased risk for drug diversion, a serious epidemic in the United States. Drug diversion in hospitals and healthcare facilities puts patients at risk …

Pharmaceutical Waste in Long Term Care

Senior care nurses have busy workdays caring for elderly residents and maintaining proper records.  Maintaining a proper chain of custody of pharmaceuticals, especially controlled substances, is one of the most important tasks of nurses in any environment, including long term care (LTC).  It is critical to dispose of pharmaceuticals properly …

The DEA and Controlled Substance Waste

The Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, is responsible for governing the regulations related to controlled substance (CS) disposal by ultimate users and registrants.  21 Code of Federal Regulations, CFR, outlines the rules for compliant CS waste procedures in 21 CFR Parts: 1300, 1301, 1304, 1305,1307, and 1317.  Institutions both public and …

CS Chain of Custody: Ensuring That Waste Is Not the Weakest Link

Healthcare providers are faced with unique challenges when it comes to handling and disposing of pharmaceutical waste. Nurses and healthcare workers handling controlled substances have responsibilities under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) including maintaining a properly documented chain of custody.  The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is tasked with enforcing the …

CS Waste in Narcotic Treatment Programs

Controlled substances (CS) used in health care systems and narcotic treatment programs pose a serious risk for drug diversion.  CS diversion causes harm to the diverter and raises serious liability issues to the organization which can face significant fines for noncompliance to DEA drug disposal regulations.  Drug diversion leads to …

Medication Diversion in Correctional Facilities

Medication Diversion in Correctional Facilities August 7, 2023 | Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Medication diversion in correctional facilities has become a significant concern, contributing to the overall opioid epidemic in the United States. With opioid overdose on the rise, it is crucial to address the issue of diversion within jails and …

Pharmaceutical Industry Compliance, Diversion Investigations, and Litigation

Summary: GTC Consulting CEO Ben Mink joins us on this episode of the Pharmacy Podcast Nation to discussion Pharmaceutical Industry Compliance, Diversion Investigations, and Litigation Support sponsored by Rx Destroyer ™ which provides turnkey solutions for pharmaceutical waste disposal to a wide range of industries and facility types.

Rx Destroyer™ Partners with GTC Consulting for DEA Compliance

Total Turnkey Solutions for DEA Compliant Drug Disposal   Download PDF     Burlington, WI- Sep 1, 2020- PressWire C2R Global Manufacturing, Inc announces their alliance with GTC Consulting, bringing a new level of support for DEA compliant drug disposal systems. GTC Consulting aligns with C2R Global Manufacturing, Inc. commitment …

Proper Drug Disposal: Pennsylvania’s Attorney General’s Offices Alan McGill – PPN Episode 938

Summary:

Alan McGill is a senior supervisory special agent at the Attorney General’s Office in Pennsylvania, but he started in the Bureau of Narcotic Investigations. He spent 10 years doing undercover work which consisted of getting to know people and buying various drugs off the street. Now he educates health associates and organizations in Pennsylvania on how medications are diverted out of their facility. He then trains them how to prevent that type of diversion as well as safe drug storage and disposal.

Read more“Proper Drug Disposal: Pennsylvania’s Attorney General’s Offices Alan McGill – PPN Episode 938”

Proper Drug Disposal is Paramount: Rx Destroyer Podcast – PPN Episode 881

Summary:

Listen in with Dr.Frank Breve, PharmD, MBA, President and CEO at Opioid Consulting Educational Solutions, as he covers Medication Disposal Best Practices. There is a lot of pressure on pharmacists to get medications out to patients but not enough on the severity of consequences if not disposed of properly.

Read more“Proper Drug Disposal is Paramount: Rx Destroyer Podcast – PPN Episode 881”

40 CFR and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

40 CFR and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act September 6, 2023 | Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Over the past couple of decades, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been raising awareness about the presence of pharmaceuticals in our drinking water and the need for proper disposal. Pharmacies and hospitals often …

What Is Considered Non-Regulated Pharmaceutical Waste?

What is Considered Non-Regulated Pharmaceutical Waste? November 13, 2023 | Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal What is Pharmaceutical Waste? Pharmaceutical waste refers to any unused, expired, or contaminated medications that need to be properly disposed of to prevent harm to the environment and ensure public safety. It includes various types of pharmaceutical …

The Major types of Medical Waste You Should Be Aware of

The Major types of Medical Waste You Should Be Aware of October 19, 2023 | Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal The Major types of Medical Waste You Should Be Aware of The proper disposal of medical waste poses significant challenges for healthcare providers today. It is crucial to meet federal regulations, ensure …