Recycling unused drugs.States have long been a testing ground Noun 1. testing ground - a region resembling a laboratory inasmuch as it offers opportunities for observation and practice and experimentation; "the new nation is a testing ground for socioeconomic theories"; "Pakistan is a laboratory for studying the use of American for new types of medical assistance programs. In recent years, lawmakers have developed prescription drug prescription drug Prescription medication Pharmacology An FDA-approved drug which must, by federal law or regulation, be dispensed only pursuant to a prescription–eg, finished dose form and active ingredients subject to the provisos of the Federal Food, Drug, "recycling" or "repository" programs for unused medication. Although details of the laws vary, most allow the return of prescription drugs in single use packaging from state programs, nursing homes or other medical facilities to be redistributed to needy residents. At least 26 states have enacted laws to create such programs or studies, creating an estimated savings of $14.5 million in Florida alone. These programs aren't as simple as returning "leftovers" to the pharmacy. Most have very strict safety rules about the types of medications eligible and where the drugs have been stored. Drugs must not be expired and must be kept in optimal conditions. Many of the programs are set up for Medicaid patients in nursing home or long-term care long-term care (LTC), n the provision of medical, social, and personal care services on a recurring or continuing basis to persons with chronic physical or mental disorders. situations. Because many patients in such a "closed system" are on similar medications, prescription drugs are often packaged in single use or blister packs. Some states allow unused single dose/blister packed medications to be returned to a state entity or pharmacy for a credit to the patient. The state may then redistribute the medication to patients in need who otherwise do not have access to prescription medications. In many cases, the "recycled" drugs are redistributed for free to community clinics where people without other prescription assistance are treated. Programs may also limit the type of medication that they collect, like cancer or HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome related drugs, because those are typically the most expensive products that go unused by patients at the end of life. Some programs do not allow the return of controlled substances, like narcotics narcotics n. 1) techinically, drugs which dull the senses. 2) a popular generic term for drugs which cannot be legally possessed, sold, or transported except for medicinal uses for which a physician or dentist's prescription is required. . By "recycling" medications, states may potentially save funds by not repurchasing these medications for community care clinics. State programs may also protect pharmaceutical manufacturers from any liability of drugs that are returned and redistributed. STATES WITH Rx RECYCLING LAWS Arkansas Colorado Connecticut Florida Georgia Hawaii Indiana Iowa Louisiana Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Jersey New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of Ohio Oklahoma South Dakota South Dakota (dəkō`tə), state in the N central United States. It is bordered by North Dakota (N), Minnesota and Iowa (E), Nebraska (S), and Wyoming and Montana (W). Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Note: Guam also allows Rx recycling and Massachusetts and Rhode Island Rhode Island, island, United States Rhode Island, island, 15 mi (24 km) long and 5 mi (8 km) wide, S R.I., at the entrance to Narragansett Bay. It is the largest island in the state, with steep cliffs and excellent beaches. have laws to study such programs. |
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