BILL NUMBER:  S6672

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the public health law, in relation
to directing the department of health to conduct a prescription drug
product stewardship disposal program study

 PURPOSE :

Directs the Department of Health to conduct a prescription drug
product and controlled substances stewardship disposal program study.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section one creates a new § 3343-c under the Public Health Law
requiring the Department of Health to study the feasibility of
creating a product stewardship program and submit a report to the
Governor, Temporary President of the Senate and the Speaker of the
Assembly setting forth the information gathered and recommendations no
later than May 1, 2018.

Section two provides an effective date.

 JUSTIFICATION :

As a result of the opioid epidemic gripping our nation, New York has
taken many steps over the last few years to reduce the number of
              

prescriptions that are written for pain medications, encourage people
to safely dispose of these substances rather than leave them in their
medicine cabinets and ensure opportunities for take back are made
available. However, much more aggressive efforts are needed to address
the problem and incentivize people to safely dispose of controlled
substances as well as other medications, which can end up in our
environment and water.

Communities and pharmacies around the state have stepped up and
regularly hold events and make methods available for drug take back.
This legislation recognizes that manufactures must share in the
responsibility of taking back medications that they produce and
disposing of them safely. Just as we have implemented laws to
encourage consumers to return motor oil, tires and bottles, New York
must develop a system, which encourages safe disposal of controlled
substances and other prescription drugs by consumers through a product
stewardship program.

This bill requires the Department of Health to study the feasibility
of creating and the mechanism necessary to implement a product
stewardship program whereby consumers would be incentivized and
encouraged to return unused or unwanted controlled substances or other
prescription drugs to an approved location for safe disposal and
pharmaceutical manufactures would be required to provide funding for
the same either through or a cash or coupon incentive program.  The
Department is directed to prepare a report, with recommendations for
implementing a prescription drug product and controlled substance
stewardship program and submit it to the Governor, Senate and Assembly
no later than May 1, 2018.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

New bill.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

To be determined.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.