Millions of Americans receive prescription opioid painkillers to treat chronic pain and other medical conditions. The abuse of prescription drugs and controlled substances in particular have risen to epidemic proportions in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 232,000 people have died from an overdose in the U.S. from prescription opioids. Deaths from prescription opioid overdose were more than four times higher in 2018 than they were in 1999.

Drug losses in hospitals due to diversion from nurses and healthcare staff have also accelerated, making it mandatory for hospitals to implement safeguards that prevent the misuse and diversion of controlled substances. Drug diversion in hospitals poses serious safety risks to healthcare staff and patients, leaving patients without adequate pain relief and putting nurses and staff at risk for infectious disease outbreaks.

Regulations for Controlled Substance Disposal in Hospitals 

The Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, has issued compliance regulations regarding the safe handling and disposal of pharmaceuticals, particularly controlled substances.  The Safe and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010 amends the Controlled Substances Act, with additional regulations implemented with the Code of Federal Regulations, CFR 21.  Hospitals are required to meet these regulations for safe and compliant disposal of medications and to prevent drug diversion of controlled substances.

Hospitals must implement and enforce at every level a strict policy regarding the management of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical waste disposal. Proper documentation and strict inventory control, including requirements for witness logs for destruction, can help to prevent drug diversion. Hospitals that implement quick and easy drug disposal methods can drastically improve the control of their pharmaceutical waste and prevent drug diversion in their health care facility.

Quick and Easy Drug Disposal in Hospitals 

C2R Global Manufacturing, Inc. offers pharmaceutical waste disposal products which provide quick and easy drug disposal for hospitals.  Our patented* solution quickly neutralizes medications with chemical digestion that meets DEA compliance regulations and the needs of busy hospital staff.  Once medications are simply dropped into the container and given a little shake, they are rendered non-retrievable which helps to prevent drug diversion in hospitals.  

C2R Global Manufacturing, Inc. provides safe, easy, and affordable drug disposal solutions to a wide range of industries, including hospitals, pharmacies, various healthcare facilities and more.  Our drug disposal products never require water, batteries, or contracts. Contact us to learn more about convenient and compliant drug disposal for hospitals.