Disposal of Controlled and Non-Controlled Medications in Long-Term Care Communities

September 22, 2020
Wanda Lingner

This is an update of the article originally published on October 9, 2014. Regulations change frequently. That’s why Sharps Compliance monitors updates and communicates any changes to its customers.

On September 9, 2014, the Drug Enforcement Agency published the Disposal of Controlled Substances Final Rule, which went into effect on October 9, 2014. This new rule allowed registered collectors to place DEA-compliant drug collection receptacles in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) for the collection and disposal of ultimate-user controlled substances (Schedules II-V). Continue reading “Disposal of Controlled and Non-Controlled Medications in Long-Term Care Communities”

Flu Shots in the Time of COVID

September 10, 2020
Kathryn Kane-Neilson

This is an update of the article originally published on August 7, 2020. Regulations change frequently. That’s why Sharps Compliance monitors updates and communicates any changes to its customers.

Staying at home and sheltering in place have helped reduce the spread of COVID-19. However, there has been at least one unfortunate side effect: a decrease in routine preventive medical care, like flu shots and childhood disease vaccinations.
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COVID Testing: Why, When, & Where You Need It

Kathryn Kane-Neilson

This is an update of the article originally published on August 12, 2020. Regulations change frequently. That’s why Sharps Compliance monitors updates and communicates any changes to its customers.

Though severity may vary from person to person, most people with confirmed, symptomatic COVID-19 experience a fever and/or cough due to infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease. Some people even experience altered smell or taste. However, because not everyone with COVID-19 will have symptoms, the CDC recommends testing for all people in close contact with those who have confirmed COVID-19.
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Federal Agencies Recommend Take-Back Options as the Preferred Opioid Disposal Method

September 9, 2020
Lindsey Murrile-Hawkins

The 2018 SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act included a provision directing the federal General Accounting Office (GAO) to review and report on ultimate-user options for safe and effective disposal of unused opioids. In 2019, the agency released its report to Congress. One section discussed why “federal agencies recommend take-back options as the preferred disposal method” for unused/unwanted opioids.
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How the COVID-19 Pandemic Is Affecting the Opioid Epidemic in the US

August 26, 2020
Sarah Overstreet

The COVID-19 pandemic has state governments scrambling to manage both the health crisis and budget shortfalls caused by the economic downturn. In some states, that has led to budget cuts in many areas, including funds to fight the opioid epidemic. Treatment professionals worry that funding cuts to treatment programs and the pandemic shutdown could cause patients to drop out of treatment, potentially increasing addiction and mortality rates. Many Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) patients in recovery and treatment programs share those concerns.
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