Virginia House Bill HB712

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Pharmacy, Board of; safe sharps disposal containers required for pharmacies for public use.

Impact

If enacted, HB 712 will directly affect pharmacy practices across Virginia by imposing new requirements for the safe disposal of sharps. This will likely necessitate additional training and compliance efforts from pharmacy staff, as well as the potential need for financial investment in the provision and maintenance of disposal containers. The bill represents a significant step towards enhancing public safety and providing support for community health initiatives aimed at preventing injuries and infections associated with improper sharps disposal.

Summary

House Bill 712 mandates that the Board of Pharmacy amend its regulations to require all pharmacies to provide and maintain safe sharps disposal containers for public use. This legislation aims to improve public health and safety by ensuring that individuals have access to safe options for disposing of sharps, such as needles and blades, which can pose significant health risks when improperly discarded. By establishing a regulatory requirement, the bill seeks to reduce potential hazards in communities and encourage responsible disposal practices.

Contention

While proponents of HB 712 argue that the measure will advance public health and prepare pharmacies to handle hazardous waste responsibly, there may be concerns regarding the cost implications for pharmacies, particularly smaller operations. Some stakeholders may argue that the financial burden of providing disposal containers could be challenging. As such, discussions around the bill may reflect a balance between enhancing public health measures and ensuring the feasibility of compliance for pharmacies.