DEA Releases New Rules for Safe and Secure Prescription Drug Disposal

Dear Colleague,

Attached you will find a statement regarding the DEA Rules that became effective October 9th, 2014. How is your hospice meeting the challenge regarding the new Scheduled Medication Disposal Requirements? It may be challenging explaining to hospice patients and families why the hospice nurse is no longer able to dispose of these medications at time of death as has been the common practice. NHPCO continues to meet with the DEA regarding this issue.

Summary at a Glance
The DEA has published a final rule on disposal of controlled substances.

The DEA suggests three possible options for disposal:

1. Drug take-back programs
2. Mail-back programs
3. Collection receptacles for drug disposal

However, the rule does not require use of any of these methods, and notes that it does not prohibit use of any existing lawful method of disposal. The final rule has specific guidance for hospice employees. Hospice staff should carefully read the section on hospice specific issues.
This final rule will take effect on October 9, 2014.