Rep. Smith Advocates for Safe Mehod of Disposal for Prescription Drugs

From The Office of State Rep. Richard A. Smith: State Representative Richard A. Smith (R-108) announced his support for a bill that would allow Connecticut pharmacies to provide drop boxes for unused prescription drugs as an alternative to those found at police stations. The General Law Committee, where Rep. Smith is the top Republican legislator, held a public hearing on HB 5077 last month, which would give pharmacies the option to participate as a collection site for unused prescription drugs.

The final rule on the Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010 provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 2014 expanded the authority of hospitals and retail pharmacies across the country to voluntarily maintain collection receptacles. However, action from the legislature is necessary, since current state law does not give Connecticut pharmacies this option.

“Laws like HB 5077 are critical for our state to combat the opioid crisis that has claimed so many lives and caused so much hardship for families,” said Rep. Smith. “Many unused prescription drugs are narcotics and end up getting abused by the patient or someone in their family when they are left around the house. Research and national collection initiatives reveal a staggering amount of unwanted prescription drugs that are simply lying around or sold in underground markets. In order to get drugs off the street and reduce the chance that they will be abused, we have to encourage safe and convenient ways to return them to the proper authorities.”

The DEA promotes the disposal of unwanted or expired medications yearly during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day and other initiatives, which have reported collecting a total of 4,823,451 pounds of drugs in four years.

“This law wouldn’t change how pharmacies do business and the receptacles would still be subject to regulations and protection under the law. It just gives them the option to add this convenience,” added Rep. Smith. “For many people, especially in rural areas, it is an ordeal to drive to far-off police stations just to return unwanted prescription medication, so they postpone the trip and the drugs stay in the house. Others are uncomfortable with returning narcotics directly to the police. Regardless, any step to reduce the amount of unguarded narcotics in this state must be taken so more tragedies can be averted.”

Rep. Smith represents the 108th General Assembly district communities of New Fairfield, Sherman, New Milford and Danbury.

Photo Courtesy of State Rep. Richard A. Smith