This bill authorizes the establishment and maintenance of pharmaceutical drug take-back programs at long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The bill amends RSA 318-E:1 by adding a new paragraph that allows authorized collectors to operate such programs in compliance with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration regulations and applicable state and federal laws. It also exempts controlled drugs collected through these programs from the disposal requirements outlined in RSA 318-B:17-a by the board of pharmacy, and mandates that the board of pharmacy establish rules and regulations for the take-back programs.

Further amendments include changes to RSA 318-B:17-a, which now permits the disposal of controlled drugs collected at long-term care facilities, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities through a drug take-back program in accordance with RSA 318-E and relevant laws. Additionally, RSA 318:42, XVII is amended to allow residents of these facilities, or their authorized agents, to dispose of unwanted or expired prescription drugs, including controlled substances, in line with a drug take-back program. The act was approved on June 1, 2023, and is set to take effect on July 31, 2023. Insertions in the bill clarify the handling of controlled drugs in these facilities and ensure that disposal practices conform to the new drug take-back program regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 318-E:1, 318:42
As Amended by the Senate: 318-E:1, 318:42
Version adopted by both bodies: 318-E:1, 318:42
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 318-E:1, 318-B:17-a, 318:42