Proposed bill would enable pharmacies to serve as a drop-off site for unwanted prescription drugs
By Erin Reece
A key Senate committee is set to hear a bill sponsored by State Senator Jim Banks of Columbia City creating a statewide prescription drug take-back program to help curb abuse by young Hoosiers.
Banks said the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services will consider House Bill 1121 at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in the Senate Chamber. For those unable to attend the meeting, constituents may watch the proceedings live at http://asx.ihets.org/senate/live.asx.
One in every five high school students has taken a prescription drug such as OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, Adderall, Ritalin or Xanax without a doctor's prescription, according to 2009 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency officials said the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, usually from the home medicine cabinet. Banks said many Hoosiers do not know how to responsibly dispose of their prescriptions - often flushing them away or putting them in the trash, both potential hazards.
"If passed, Hoosiers could dispose of unused prescription medications or any other controlled substances like painkillers at participating pharmacies," Banks said. "By increasing the accessibility of drop-off locations, fewer youths could get their hands on expired or unwanted drugs."
This legislation would authorize the Board of Pharmacy to write regulatory rules to implement the program. Banks said this move would help ensure medications are disposed of safely and securely.
"Expanding take-back efforts nationwide is critical in the prevention of prescription drug abuse and safeguarding the environment," Banks said. "I look forward to shepherding this legislation through the Indiana Senate."
Currently, federal law mandates law enforcement to be present at drop-off sites but Banks' legislation would not require a police officer to be on site at a pharmacy.
A key Senate committee is set to hear a bill sponsored by State Senator Jim Banks of Columbia City creating a statewide prescription drug take-back program to help curb abuse by young Hoosiers.
Banks said the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services will consider House Bill 1121 at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in the Senate Chamber. For those unable to attend the meeting, constituents may watch the proceedings live at http://asx.ihets.org/senate/live.asx.
One in every five high school students has taken a prescription drug such as OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, Adderall, Ritalin or Xanax without a doctor's prescription, according to 2009 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency officials said the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, usually from the home medicine cabinet. Banks said many Hoosiers do not know how to responsibly dispose of their prescriptions - often flushing them away or putting them in the trash, both potential hazards.
"If passed, Hoosiers could dispose of unused prescription medications or any other controlled substances like painkillers at participating pharmacies," Banks said. "By increasing the accessibility of drop-off locations, fewer youths could get their hands on expired or unwanted drugs."
This legislation would authorize the Board of Pharmacy to write regulatory rules to implement the program. Banks said this move would help ensure medications are disposed of safely and securely.
"Expanding take-back efforts nationwide is critical in the prevention of prescription drug abuse and safeguarding the environment," Banks said. "I look forward to shepherding this legislation through the Indiana Senate."
Currently, federal law mandates law enforcement to be present at drop-off sites but Banks' legislation would not require a police officer to be on site at a pharmacy.