SB 6, a bill that originally would have required pharmacies and practitioners to distribute or sell drug sequestration or deactivation products with every controlled substance prescription, was significantly amended in the House Health and Family Services Committee, subsequently passed both chambers and will be sent to the Governor for signing. The compromise amendment makes it optional for pharmacies to sell or distribute the drug disposal products. However, it requires pharmacies and practitioners to inform patients filling certain controlled substances with information on safe drug disposal methods either verbally, in written format or through signage. The bill also contains graded penalties for pharmacies and practitioners who violate the law, starting at $25 for a first offense. The bill encourages manufacturers of the drug disposal technologies to enter into consignment-reimbursement contracts with pharmacies to stock their products. The Legislature is currently scheduled to adjourn sine die on Saturday, April 14, and the law would be effective 90 days after sine die. NACDS supported the on-the-ground efforts of the Kentucky Retail Federation to amend this bill.

For more information, contact NACDS’ Jill McCormack at 717-592-8977.