FRANKFORT – In an effort to help curb Kentucky’s opioid epidemic, the state Senate
passed a measure today that would encourage the use of a drug disposal product to
help patients safely get rid of unused painkillers.
The legislation, known as Senate Bill 6, would require a pharmacist to offer to sell
or distribute the drug disposal product with every prescription filled for a drug
containing an opiate, benzodiazepine, barbiturate, codeine or amphetamine. SB 6
would also require the pharmacist to consult with a patient about the importance of
the proper disposal of unused, expired or unwanted prescription drugs.
“This is important legislation,” said sponsor Sen. Alice Forgy Kerr, R-Lexington.
“The eyes of the nation are on Kentucky today.”
She said Kentucky has a chance to lead the nation in passing legislation to promote
the use of this type of drug disposal product. It works by filling the prescription
bottle with water, adding the drug disposal product (sold in the form of a powder)
and shaking the bottle for about 30 seconds.
What is left is a biodegradable gel-like substance that is safe to be thrown away in
the trash, Kerr said, adding that it would not contaminate water supplies.
Sen. Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, said he supported the concept of SB 6 but
couldn’t vote for it because the legislation didn’t provide a funding mechanism,
though he acknowledged the benefits of safely disposing painkillers.
“It makes no sense to me whatsoever that the insurance companies and Medicaid would
not want to pay for this because they are going to save a ton of money,” he said,
adding that the drug disposal product costs a little over $1 but a single opioid
overdose costs between $58,000 to $94,000 in medical expenses.
SB 6 passed by a 34-2 vote. It now goes to the House for further consideration.