New DEA Law Authorizes Drop-Off Sites for Unused Prescription Drugs
- By BSTQ Staff
A new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulation allows pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and other authorized collectors such as long-term care facilities to serve as authorized drop-off sites for unused prescription drugs. The law builds on existing take-back programs launched by the DEA, including take-back events in April and September, as well as events over the past four years that have taken in more than 4.1 million pounds of prescription pills.
The new changes are expected to save lives and protect American families from the increased dangers of prescription drug misuse. In 2011, more than half of the 41,300 unintentional drug overdose deaths in the U.S. involved prescription drugs, and hazardous opioid pain relievers led to approximately 17,000 of those deaths.
