Discarding and Destroying Medications
Highlights
Policy Statement
Medications will be disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local regulations
governing management of non-hazardous pharmaceuticals, hazardous waste and controlled
substances.
Policy Interpretation and Implementation
Storage of Medications to
be Disposed
1.
All unused controlled substances shall be retained in a securely locked area with
restricted access until disposed of.
Non-Controlled and
Schedule V Disposition
2.
Non-controlled and Schedule V (non-hazardous) controlled substances will be
disposed of in accordance with state regulations and federal guidelines regarding
disposition of non-hazardous medications.
Disposal of Individual
Resident Medications in
Sealed Unopened
Containers
3.
Unless otherwise prohibited under applicable federal or state laws, individual resident
medications supplied in sealed unopened containers may be returned to the issuing
pharmacy for disposition provided that:
a.
b.
c.
Controlled Medication
Disposition
4.
No medications covered under the Federal Comprehensive Drug Abuse
Prevention and Control Act of 1976 are returned;
All such medications are identified as to lot or control number; and
The receiving Pharmacist and a Registered Nurse employed by the facility sign
a separate log that lists the resident’s name; the name, strength, prescription
number (if applicable) and amount of the medication returned, and the date the
medication was returned.
Schedule II, III, and IV (non-hazardous) controlled substances will be disposed of in
accordance with state regulations and federal guidelines regarding disposition of nonhazardous controlled medications. For example:
a.
For unused controlled substances, the EPA recommends that healthcare
facilities contract with a DEA registered reverse distributor for proper disposal
and potential credit for the unused pharmaceuticals.
b. Facilities may also send unused medications back to the dispensing pharmacy
for proper disposal, if the facility is a DEA registrant or the DEA has approved
the transfer.
c. For unused, non-hazardous controlled substances that cannot be accepted by a
reverse distributor or pharmacy, the EPA recommends disposal of the substance
with other solid waste following the steps below:
(1) Take the medication out of the original containers.
(2) Mix medication, either liquid or solid, with an undesirable substance.
Undesirable substances include sand, coffee grounds, kitty litter, or other
absorbent materials.
(3) Place the waste mixture in a sealable bag, empty can, or other container to
prevent leakage.
(4) Dispose with the solid waste (i.e., regular trash) in the presence of two
witnesses.
(5) Document the disposal on the medication disposition record.
(6) Include the signature(s) of at least two witnesses.
continues on next page
© 2001 MED-PASS, Inc. (Revised April 2013)
Discarding Hazardous
Controlled Substances
5.
Any controlled substance that is considered hazardous waste will be managed in
accordance with federal, state and local hazardous waste regulations, as well as the
Controlled Substance Act and DEA regulations.
Discarding
Ointments/Creams
6.
Ointments, creams, and other like substances may be discarded into the trash
receptacle in the medication room.
Contents of Medication
Disposition Record
7.
The medication disposition record will contain the following information:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
The resident’s name;
Date medication disposed;
The name and strength of the medication;
The name of the dispensing pharmacy;
The quantity disposed;
Method of disposition;
Reason for disposition; and
Signature of witnesses.
Filing/Maintaining
Medication Disposition
Records
8.
Completed medication disposition records shall be kept on file in the facility for at
least two (2) years, or as mandated by state law governing the retention and storage
of such records.
Controlled Medication
Accountability Form
9.
For emergency kit controlled substances disposal, complete the appropriate portions
of the controlled medication accountability form.
10.
Staff shall contact the provider pharmacy if they are unsure of proper disposal
methods for a medication.
Unsure Of Proper Disposal
Methods
References
OBRA Regulatory
Reference Numbers
Survey Tag Numbers
Related Documents
Policy
Revised
483.60(b)(2)
See also http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/index.htm
F425; F431
Medication Disposition Sheet (MP5213) (Appendix A)
Date:________________
By:__________________
Date:________________
By:__________________
Date:________________
By:__________________
Date:________________
By:__________________
© 2001 MED-PASS, Inc. (Revised April 2013)