BILL NUMBER:  S6673

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the public health law, in relation
to a statewide listing of drug disposal sites and events

 PURPOSE :

To direct the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation to
establish a statewide web-listing of drug disposal sites, events and
other disposal options in the state.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section one amends the Public Health law to create a new section
3343-c which requires the DOH in consultation with the DEC to create,
maintain and update regularly, a statewide web-based listing of all
controlled substances and other prescription drug disposal sites,
events and other disposal options for consumers. The site shall be
searchable by zip code.

Section two provides an effective date.

 JUSTIFICATION :

Chapter 79 of the Laws of 2015 allowed pharmacies and other Drug
Enforcement Administration authorized collectors to collect unused
              

controlled substances in New York. This was an important first step in
making it easier for people to take back their unused medications and
helping to get dangerous unwanted opioid medications out of peoples'
medicine cabinets. However, much more aggressive efforts are needed to
address opioid addiction and consumers need to be provided with tools
to easily find out where they can return unused and unwanted
medications.

While getting unneeded controlled substances disposed of is important,
all pharmaceutical medications should be disposed of properly to
ensure that they do not end up inappropriately in our water and
environment. Encouraging and facilitating the safe and appropriate
disposal of all prescription medications is very important.

This bill requires the DOH and the DEC to make information regarding
controlled substances and other prescription drug disposal sites,
events and other disposal options more readily available to consumers
such that they are aware of the existing options if they would like to
get rid of unwanted or unused controlled substances or other
prescription drugs. The website would be searchable by zip code and
those providing take back options to the public could provide
information for display on the website.  Requiring the DOH and the DEC
to make this information available on a web-based listing would give
the state another tool in the fight against prescription drug abuse
and environmental protection.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

New bill.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

None.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.