SB 1254
Initials AG Page 1 Caucus & COW
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-sixth Legislature
First Regular Session
Senate: HHS DP 7-0-0-0 | 3
rd
Read 24-5-1-0
House: HHS DPA 5-4-0-0
SB 1254: opioids; containers; labeling; requirements; repeal
Sponsor: Senator Shamp, LD 29
Caucus & COW
Overview
Repeals the requirement that prescription opioid containers that are directly dispensed by a
pharmacist and not intended for immediate use have a red cap.
History
Laws 2018, First Special Session, Chapter 1 outlines requirements for prescribing, administering
using and dispensing controlled substances. Specifically, it requires containers of schedule II
opioids that are dispensed directly by a pharmacist and not for immediate use to have a red cap
and a warning label prescribed by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy (Board) about potential
addiction.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) describes schedule II drugs, substances or
chemicals as drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe
psychological or physical dependence. Some examples of schedule II drugs are: cocaine,
methamphetamine, Adderall and oxycodone (DEA).
Provisions
1. Eliminates the requirement that for containers of a schedule II-controlled substance that is an
opioid that is directly dispensed by a pharmacist and not intended for immediate administration
to the user must have a red cap. (Sec. 1)
2. Removes the ability of the Board or its Executive Director, if delegated by the Board, to waive
the red cap requirement if implementation is not feasible because of the specific dosage form
or packaging type. (Sec. 1)
3. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)
Amendments
Committee on Health & Human Services
1. Allows prescription opioid containers to have a red cap and requires them to have a warning
label, rather than repeal the red cap requirement.
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note