NCMS FAQ of the Week: Disposing of Controlled Substances

Due to a high volume of questions coming in through the Member Resource Center, the NCMS features a Frequently-Asked-Question (FAQ) for its members each week to share information about current medical and health care issues that their colleagues are having.

Q: Is it appropriate for physicians to recommend that their patients return his/her unused controlled substance prescription to a pharmacy?

A: No. A patient may not return his or her unused controlled substance medication to a pharmacy. Click here for more information on proper disposal. Unused controlled substance medication may only be returned to a pharmacy in the event of the medication being recalled or a dispensing error has occurred. Both health care professionals and patients should be aware of the proper ways to dispose of controlled substances as well as non-narcotic prescription medication. View those standards here.

Have a question? Contact the NCMS Member Resource Center at (919) 833-3836 or [email protected].

 
 

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