What does the Disposal of Controlled Substances final rule authorize for community pharmacies?

• A. To flush all controlled substances
• B. To conduct take-back programs and maintain receptacles; patients can mail unused meds or place in receptacles
• C. To ban take-back programs
• D. To sell unused meds to other pharmacies

Answer: (B)

The rule centers on how controlled substances can be disposed of and authorizes community pharmacies to participate in take-back activities. It specifically allows pharmacies to conduct take-back programs and maintain receptacles for patient disposal, and it enables patients to mail unused medications or drop them into these receptacles for proper destruction. This approach is designed to reduce diversion and environmental harm by providing safe, regulated channels for disposal.

Flushing controlled substances is not the endorsed disposal method under this rule, and the rule does not ban take-back programs or permit selling unused meds to other pharmacies.