Cuomo signs Gunther legislation regarding opiates

Posted 8/21/12

MONTICELLO, NY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo on October 28 signed a bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther that will allow pharmacies to accept unused controlled substances from their customers.

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Cuomo signs Gunther legislation regarding opiates

Posted

MONTICELLO, NY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo on October 28 signed a bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther that will allow pharmacies to accept unused controlled substances from their customers.

“Opioid abuse is ravaging our community. For far too many people, the problem starts right in their medicine cabinet,” said Gunther. “If a pharmacy can dispense the medication, it stands to reason that it should be able to take it back. This law is a big step in stopping opiate abuse before it starts.”

The new law amends the already-existing drug-disposal program to allow pharmacies to begin functioning as collection sites immediately, provided they are authorized by the federal Drug Enforcement Agency and in compliance with federal laws and regulations.

Pharmacy participation is voluntary. One local pharmacist, Scott Mace, owner of the Rock Hill Pharmacy, is excited about this change and strongly advocated for it. “This is a major step forward in making our community safer and healthier,” said Mace. “By getting expired and unwanted medications out of the medicine cabinets, our families are protected.”

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