Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther announced that Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently signed legislation that would include pharmacies as disposal sites for unused controlled substances once federal regulations are adopted.

“Seventy percent of prescription drug abusers get their drugs from a family member or friend,” said Gunther. “This legislation is a proactive step to getting unused prescription drugs out of the home and away from people who would sell or abuse them.”

Under current federal rules, only law enforcement agencies are qualified disposal sites. In 2012, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency published proposed regulations that would expand options for drug disposal. Gunther’s legislation directs the commissioner of the New York State Department of Health to include pharmacies as qualified disposal sites on a voluntary basis and to develop regulations for the anticipated change in federal rules.