Proposed RI Law Would Redistribute Unused Medication

PROVIDENCE, RI — A local lawmaker is calling for the state to redistribute unused medication to those in need. Rep. Joseph McNamara introduced a bill that would create a way to help those who cannot afford or access prescriptions.

McNamara's bill proposes the creation of a pharmaceutical redistribution program through the Rhode Island Department of Health and the board of Pharmacy. If approved, it would go into effect Jan. 1, 2023.

"Unused medication worth billions of dollars gets thrown out every year," McNamara said.
"Medication will often go unused because a patient’s condition improves, they change doses, or they pass away. Instead of disposing of the unused medicine, people would be able to donate it."

The program would be voluntary, and would include offer civil and criminal immunity to those who make a donation in good faith.

"By collecting these unused drugs and redistributing them to qualifying individuals, we would be able to increase medication access, especially to underserved populations," McNamara continued.