Chapter 172

2010 -- H 7853

Enacted 06/25/10

 

A N A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - UTILIZATION OF UNUSED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ACT

          

     Introduced By: Representatives Sullivan, Winfield, Fierro, Guthrie, and JP O`Neill

     Date Introduced: March 02, 2010

 

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

 

     SECTION 1. Section 23-25.4-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-25.4 entitled

"Utilization of Unused Prescription Drugs Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

 

     23-25.4-4. Program established. -- (a) The department of health and the board of

pharmacy shall jointly develop and implement a pilot program consistent with public health and

safety through which unused prescription drugs, other than prescription drugs defined as

controlled substances in section 21-28-1.02, may shall be transferred from nursing facilities,

assisted living residences, residential care facilities or community health organizations that

centrally store prescription drugs and are licensed at the M1 licensure level by the department of

health to charitable clinics for the purpose of re-dispensing the medication to Rhode Island

residents who are medically indigent.

      (b) The pilot program shall conform to the requirements established in rules promulgated

by the state department of health and the board of pharmacy. The pilot program shall remain in

effect until January 1, 2009 2012.

      (c) The state department of health and the board of pharmacy shall review and evaluate

the pilot program and shall submit a report and any recommendations to the governor, the speaker

of the house of representatives, and the president of the senate on or before January 1, 2009 2012.

      (d) Beginning April 1, 2007 2010, the department of health and the board of pharmacy

shall implement statewide a program consistent with public health and safety through which

unused prescription drugs, other than prescription drugs defined as controlled substances in

section 21-28-1.02, may shall be transferred from nursing facilities or assisted living residences to

charitable clinics for the purpose of re-dispensing the unused prescription drugs.

      (e) The department of health and the board of pharmacy shall promulgate rules and

establish procedures necessary to implement the program established pursuant to this chapter.

      (f) The board of pharmacy shall provide technical assistance to entities who may wish to

participate in the program.

      (g) The department of health shall be required to provide written notification to all

eligible nursing homes, assisted living facilities, residential care facilities and community health

organizations and to post a sign clearly and conspicuously in each facility to notify its residents of

the program.

 

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

     

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LC02046

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