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 when they do not receive the …

Controlled Substance Disposal Compliance

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 …

Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

EMS and Pharmaceutical Waste

Emergency medical services (EMS) providers such as ambulance agencies have a great responsibility to take quick action during times of medical emergency.  This may include administering a controlled substance in the course of providing emergency medical care to save a life.  While administering emergency medication is part of the job, …

Latest News | Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

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 …

Controlled Substance Disposal Compliance

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 …

Controlled Substance Disposal Compliance

Are All Chemotherapy Agents Classified as Pharmaceutical Waste?

Disposing of chemotherapy waste raises a lot of questions even for those experienced in the industry. Questions always arise as to whether chemotherapy waste is considered hazardous waste or medical waste. With chemotherapy agents, there is not just one waste stream. There are chemotherapy agents classified as pharmaceutical waste and …

Controlled Substance Disposal Compliance

What Are the Implications for CS Waste in Medical Research

Pharmaceuticals and controlled substances are often used in medical research laboratories, requiring proper controls and disposal methods. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have issued Code of Federal Regulations regarding compliance to pharmaceutical waste disposal. These regulations apply to pharmaceutical waste from any industry including …

Controlled Substance Disposal Compliance

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 …

Drug Diversion Prevention

Effective Jail Medication Administration Policy Starts in the Med Room

Many unique challenges face nurses working in correctional facilities with medication administration identified as a specialized field in correctional nursing. Many nurses who are new to working in a jail or correctional facility setting are unprepared for the breadth and scope of their responsibilities in managing medication delivery, administration and …

Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

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.

Podcast

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 Rx Destroyer™ announces their alliance with GTC Consulting, bringing a new level of support for DEA compliant drug disposal systems. GTC Consulting aligns with Rx Destroyer’s commitment to the community, public …

Press Release

Effective Pharmaceutical Waste Segregation at Source

Hospitals, healthcare facilities of all types, and even veterinary clinics that manage pharmaceuticals must have a plan for proper waste disposal that meets all regulatory concerns.   The EPA and the DEA regulate the proper handling of pharmaceutical waste on the federal level, although each facility is responsible for meeting all …

Controlled Substance Disposal Systems

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”

audio Podcast

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”

audio Podcast

40 CFR and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Nearly two decades ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began raising awareness to the public about the concerning level of pharmaceuticals present in the environment, specifically in our drinking water.  A pharmacy or hospital may have thousands of distinct pharmaceutical materials in their inventory at any time which could easily …

40 CFR Regulations

What Is Considered Non-Regulated Pharmaceutical Waste?

All controlled substances and hazardous pharmaceutical waste must be disposed of properly according to federal regulations.  Non-Regulated pharmaceutical waste that may be considered non-hazardous is a bit of a misnomer, as any pharmaceutical waste can be harmful to the environment or to people if used other than as intended.  A …

Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

What are the Major Types of Medical Waste?

Medical waste and the proper disposal of such waste is one of the greatest challenges facing healthcare providers today.  Concerns exist with meeting all federal regulations for proper medical waste disposal as well as epidemiology, HIPAA and potential civil litigation.  Types of medical waste includes a wide variety of items …

Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

Financial Considerations for an Effective CS Waste Program

effective cs waste program

Properly disposing of expired medications is the main focus of any controlled substance (CS) waste program.  Hospitals must have policies and procedures in place for the safe management and disposal of pharmaceutical waste for expired, discontinued or leftover medications.  It is estimated that hospitals in the U.S. produce nearly 5.9 billion tons of medical waste each year.

Read more“Financial Considerations for an Effective CS Waste Program”

image Controlled Substance Disposal Compliance

USP General Chapter <800> Compliance

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is a non-profit, private organization with standards enforced throughout various regulatory agencies such as individual state’s Boards of Pharmacy and the Joint Commission.  The USP’s latest chapter on managing hazardous drugs in the healthcare industry, USP<800>, provides comprehensive guidelines on managing the entire life cycle …

Controlled Substance Disposal Compliance

Challenges Facing Pharmaceutical Waste Management in Healthcare

The healthcare industry has been faced with confusing regulations regarding pharmaceutical waste management for more than a decade.  Drug disposal regulations can vary from state to state and greatly impact compliance.  Healthcare workers and nursing staff are focused on treating patients and are juggling multiple priorities. Maintaining compliance is challenging …

Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

Compliant Portable Drug Disposal System

Properly disposing of pharmaceutical waste including controlled substances is critical to prevent environmental contamination and serious safety risks to health care workers and patients.  Hospitals and long-term care facilities are the largest contributors to improper pharmaceutical waste disposal and drug diversion.  It is estimated that more than 130 people die …

Controlled Substance Disposal Systems

Best Practices for CS Waste in ER Setting: CSDPP Core Elements

Drug diversion in health care systems is a serious issue in both the United States and Canada.  According to the Society of Hospital Medicine, the US and Canada are the two highest consumers of opioids worldwide per-capita.  Opioids and other controlled substances are diverted from healthcare facilities for nonmedical use …

Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

Does Your CS Waste Program Meet Joint Commission Requirements?

The Joint Commission is an independent, nonprofit organization that was founded in 1951 with a focus on continually improving health care for the public.  The Joint Commission is the oldest and largest standards-setting, accrediting body in health care in the United States.  Approximately 4,500 general, long-term acute, rehabilitation, children’s, psychiatric …

Controlled Substance Disposal Compliance

Drug Diversion Strategies: How Has Covid-19 Affected Addiction?

The epidemic of substance abuse and drug overdose deaths in the U.S. is a national health emergency.  People who suffer from drug addiction as well as people who smoke, vape or use opioids or methamphetamine are at an even greater risk during the novel Coronavirus pandemic.  Dr. Nora Volkow is …

Drug Diversion Prevention

CS Waste Safety and Healthcare Staff

It is critical for healthcare facilities such as long term care facilities and hospitals to properly dispose of pharmaceutical waste for controlled substance waste safety. The improper disposal of medications and controlled substances leads to environmental contamination and drug diversion.  Drug diversion in hospitals is a serious risk for healthcare …

Drug Diversion Prevention

Proper Documentation of CS Waste Program

A controlled substance (CS) waste program which meets DEA compliance must adhere to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 21, 40 and 42 pertaining to the regulations for drug waste disposal.  Each registrant, facility, distributor and reverse distributor must ensure that they meet all facility, local, tribal, state and federal …

Controlled Substance Disposal Compliance

Legal Implications of an Inadequate CS Waste Program

It is important for all healthcare facilities to follow a proper controlled substance (CS) waste program to prevent drug diversion and environmental contamination.  Drugs defined as controlled substances are proven to have the potential for dependence or abuse and are regulated by the DEA with the Controlled Substances Act.  This …

Controlled Substance Disposal Systems

Proper Handling of Propofol Waste: Disposal in Anesthesia Setting

Propofol, also known under the brand name of Diprivan, is a sedative used primarily in operating rooms to relax and sedate patients prior to invasive, surgical procedures.  Propofol is used as a supplement to general anesthetics, although is not currently listed as a controlled substance with the same DEA regulations …

Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

Controlled Substance Disposal in Hospitals and the Opioid Crisis

The opioid crisis is an epidemic in the United States with an estimated 130 people dying every day due to an opioid overdose.  The economic burden of this national emergency is estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to cost a whopping $78.5 billion annually including treatment for …

Drug Diversion Prevention

DEA Medication Disposal Compliance: What’s the Real Cost?

The laws under compliant DEA medication disposal regulations have changed considerably in recent years.  In August of 2019, 40 CFR, the Code of Federal Regulations, went into effect which amends the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, RCRA.  Prior to the 2019, 40 CFR ruling, flushing of hazardous pharmaceutical waste down …

Controlled Substance Disposal Compliance

Are You Compliant with FDA Medication Disposal?

Educating medical staff in various healthcare facilities and settings is critical for FDA medication disposal compliance.  All too often, healthcare workers are not trained on the proper procedures for disposing of pharmaceuticals and simply throw leftover medications in the trash or are told to flush down a drain.  There are …

Controlled Substance Disposal Compliance

Regulated Medical Waste Disposal: Drugs Included

Disposing of medical waste requires proper methods of destruction to meet regulations with the Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, and Environmental Protection Agency, EPA.  Managing pharmaceutical waste for proper and regulated disposal can be confusing as facilities must follow all federal, state, local and tribal regulations in addition to specific policies …

40 CFR Regulations

An Effective Drug Diversion Prevention Policy

Drug diversion in the healthcare system leads to serious safety issues to both the patients and health care workers as well as placing significant liability on the facility. Diversion of controlled substances (CS) in health care settings creates multiple victims, leading to inadequate documentation of a patient’s care, inadequate pain …

Drug Diversion Prevention

Code of Federal Regulations Title 40 : Do You have To Comply?

The Code of Federal Regulations Title 40 is the section of the CFR that addresses the Environmental Protection Association’s mission of protecting the environment and human health.  Parts of CFR 40 which relate to pharmaceutical hazardous waste include parts 262, 262, 264, 265, 266, 268, 270, and 273, the Management …

40 CFR Regulations

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 …

21 CFR Compliance

Are You Compliant with FDA Medication Disposal?

Educating medical staff in various healthcare facilities and settings is critical for FDA medication disposal compliance.  All too often, healthcare workers are not trained on the proper procedures for disposing of pharmaceuticals and simply throw leftover medications in the trash or are told to flush down a drain.  There are …

Controlled Substance Disposal Compliance

CS Waste in the OR Setting

    Pharmaceutical waste management in hospital ORs is a challenging and complex topic that requires careful planning, procedures and compliance to many regulations.  Managing pharmaceutical waste in hospitals is critical to prevent drug diversion, environmental contamination and to protect staff and patient safety. There are three key issues to …

Controlled Substance Disposal Systems

CS Waste Compliance: Easier Said than Done

The need for health care facilities to manage their controlled substance waste with compliance to DEA regulations has never been greater.  With heightened awareness to the opioid epidemic and drug diversion, properly disposing of controlled substance (CS) waste effectively and safely is critical.  Many health care facilities find CS waste …

Controlled Substance Disposal Compliance

CBC NEWS: Researchers finding excreted drugs in drinking water

If we’re taking it, we’re also drinking it: painkillers, blood thinners, hormones, chemotherapy agents, even cocaine and amphetamines. Whatever goes into us, also comes out of us, through our own biological effluent, every time we flush the toilet. The excreted drugs pass right through most sewage treatment processes and end …

Media

Why activated charcoal works best to stop drug abuse?

Science made easy… RxDestroyer™ patented solution begins dissolving medications and instantly permanently bonding (adsorbing) drugs/medications to solution’s activated charcoal. Temperatures of 1,700°F are required to adsorbed drugs from carbon. At this temperature, drugs are destroyed by extreme heat. Subsequently, process to release medication from carbon is deemed irreversible. In comparison, 1,700°F melts many metals like brass, silver and aluminum. Want …

Latest News

What’s the DEA’s position on disposal of pharmaceutical wastage?

Answer: DEA Disposal of Controlled Substances Brief: “Existing DEA regulations do not specify a standard to which controlled substances must be destroyed. With this final rule, the DEA is implementing a standard of destruction—nonretrievable—for registrants that destroy controlled substances, and procedures for the destruction of controlled substances. 21 CFR 1300.05 …

Latest News

DEA definition of non-retrievable?

The final rule implements a standard of destruction of which RxDestroyer™ product meets: non-retrievable. The process utilized to render a substance “non-retrievable” shall permanently alter the substance’s physical or chemical condition or state through irreversible means and thereby render the substance unavailable and unusable for all practical purposes. A substance …

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