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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