(a) Definition of covered entityIn this section, the term “covered entity” means—(1) a State, local, or tribal law enforcement agency;
(2) a manufacturer, distributor, or reverse distributor of prescription medications;
(3) a retail pharmacy;
(4) a registered narcotic treatment program;
(5) a hospital or clinic with an onsite pharmacy;
(6) an eligible long-term care facility; or
(7) any other entity authorized by the Drug Enforcement Administration to dispose of prescription medications.
(b) Program authorizedThe Attorney General, in coordination with the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, shall coordinate with covered entities in expanding or making available disposal sites for unwanted prescription medications.
(Pub. L. 114–198, title II, § 203, July 22, 2016, 130 Stat. 717.)
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section was enacted as part of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016, and not as part of the Controlled Substances Act which comprises this subchapter.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Guidance on At-Home Drug Disposal SystemsPub. L. 119–44, title I, § 111, Dec. 1, 2025, 139 Stat. 678, provided that:
“(a) In General.—Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 1, 2025], the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, shall publish guidance to facilitate the use of at-home safe disposal systems for applicable drugs.
“(b) Contents.—The guidance under subsection (a) shall include—“(1) recommended standards for effective at-home drug disposal systems to meet applicable requirements enforced by the Food and Drug Administration;
“(2) recommended information to include as instructions for use to disseminate with at-home drug disposal systems;
“(3) best practices and educational tools to support the use of an at-home drug disposal system, as appropriate; and
“(4) recommended use of licensed health providers for the dissemination of education, instruction, and at-home drug disposal systems, as appropriate.”
Access to Increased Drug DisposalPub. L. 115–271, title III, subtitle B, ch. 6, Oct. 24, 2018, 132 Stat. 3950, provided that: