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The Pennsylvania House of Representatives this week unanimously approved legislation that requires health care facilities and state prisons to return unused prescriptions. Health care facilities destroy thousand of dollars of unused prescription drugs each year due to death of patients and changes in prescriptions. It only makes sense to return these drugs so they can be redistributed and help fight the rising cost of prescriptions. House Bill 770 would require state prisons and health care facilities, such as hospitals and long-term care facilities that receive Medicaid funding, to return to the pharmacy for repacking and redistribution prescription drugs that were dispensed to a patient but not used. Only those drugs that were sealed individually or in single-dose, sealed containers would be returned. No prescription drugs in bulk dispensing containers or bottles would be redistributed. In addition, all drugs that are returned must be sent in at least 90 days prior to the expiration or recommended shelf life. This will provide some assurance that prescription drugs are still effective. The bill is similar to a proposal I made in 2001 as part of a larger prescription drug bill. As a professional nurse, I understand the importance of making prescription drugs affordable. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. CapNews Guest Speaker: Archives |
