Connecticut House Bill HB05429

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/25/16
• Refer: 2/25/16

Caption

An Act Concerning Pharmacies And Collection And Disposal Of Unwanted Medication.

Impact

The impact of HB 5429 on state laws includes the establishment of a voluntary program for pharmacies to facilitate the collection and disposal of unwanted medications. By enabling pharmacies to participate in this program, the bill aims to enhance consumer protection and confront public health concerns related to pharmaceutical waste. This could lead to a significant reduction in environmental contamination from improper disposal methods, potentially improving community health outcomes overall.

Summary

House Bill 5429 aims to address the issue of unwanted pharmaceuticals and the safe disposal of such medications. The bill requires the Commissioner of Consumer Protection to develop and implement a program that allows for anonymous drop-off of unwanted pharmaceuticals at licensed pharmacies. The pharmaceuticals collected would then be transported for incineration at biomedical waste treatment facilities. This initiative seeks to mitigate the dangers associated with improper disposal of pharmaceuticals and to promote public safety through responsible management of unused medications.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 5429 might center on the voluntary nature of pharmacy participation in the program. While proponents of the bill likely argue that providing pharmacies the choice to participate encourages broader engagement without imposing burdensome regulations, critics may express concerns regarding whether the lack of mandatory participation could hinder the efficacy of the program. Furthermore, the public awareness campaign tasked with educating the community about the associated risks and proper disposal methods will be crucial in determining the overall success of this initiative.