Arizona 2023 2023 Regular Session

Arizona Senate Bill SB1254 Comm Sub / Analysis

Filed 02/03/2023

                    Assigned to HHS 	FOR COMMITTEE 
 
 
 
 
ARIZONA STATE SENATE 
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session 
 
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1254 
 
opioids; containers; labeling; requirements; repeal 
Purpose 
Eliminates the requirement that prescription opioid containers, directly dispensed by a 
pharmacist and not for immediate use, have a red cap. 
Background 
In 2018, Governor Doug Ducey called for a Special Session of the Legislature dedicated 
to addressing the statewide opioid epidemic and ultimately signed S.B. 1001: controlled 
substances; regulation; appropriation, which enacted a series of statutory and session law changes 
related to the prescribing, administering, dispensing and use of opioid drugs. Additionally, the bill 
required that the container of a schedule II drug that is an opioid, directly dispensed by a pharmacist 
and not for immediate use, have a red cap and a warning label about potential addiction  
(Laws 2018, First Special Session, Ch. 1).  
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (USDEA) schedule II drugs, 
substances or chemicals are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse and usage can 
potentially lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Common examples of schedule 
II drugs include cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, oxycodone, and fentanyl (USDEA). 
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this 
legislation.  
Provisions 
1. Repeals the requirement that the container of a schedule II controlled substance that is an 
opioid, directly dispensed by a pharmacist and not for immediate use, have a red cap. 
2. Makes technical changes.  
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.  
Prepared by Senate Research 
February 3, 2023 
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