Secure Medicine Return Regulations Considered in WA and OR

The Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health is considering a secure medicine return regulation similar to those in Snohomish County and King County, which are preparing to implement programs in 2017. The Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health will vote on the regulation Dec. 7, 2016 and seeks comments until then. At its October annual meeting, the Washington State Medical Association adopted a resolution supporting medication return programs. The Oregon legislature is expected to consider a proposal to create a secure medicine return program in the 2017 legislative session. On Sept. 22, 2016, the Oregon House Interim Committee on Health Care heard a pharmaceutical extended producer responsibility (EPR) presentation from Margaret Shield, PhD, of Community Environmental Health Strategies.

From the Northwest Product Stewardship Council October Newsletter