Title
Accept an update from the Health Department regarding safe disposal of pharmaceuticals and sharps in reference to Board Referral #2018.07.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Accept an update from the Health Department regarding safe disposal of pharmaceuticals and sharps in reference to Board Referral #2018.07.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Board referral number 2018.07 requested the Health Department (Health) to research and provide options for the implementation of an ordinance addressing safe disposal of pharmaceuticals and sharps in Monterey County. Accordingly, Health reviewed multiple ordinances in other jurisdictions and is in the process of drafting an ordinance to present to the Board for consideration.
Simultaneous to these efforts, SB 212 was introduced to the California legislature by Senator Jackson and Assembly Member Ting. This bill was presented to the Assembly Environmental and Toxic Materials Committee on Tuesday June 26, 2018 and was approved with a 5-1 vote. The California Legislature ultimately passed SB 212, effective January 1, 2019, with major provisions as follows:
• Drug companies pay for a statewide disposal program for both unwanted medications and needles
• Drug companies must establish a stewardship program for covered drugs or for sharps.
• Convenience Standard: A drug company’s stewardship program must contribute to meeting specified minimum requirements for authorized collection sites in each county in which the plan will be implemented, including, as applicable, a minimum of one authorized collection site per 50,000 people in the county and a minimum of 5 collection sites in the county. Any pharmacy or law enforcement that wants to host a safe disposal bin can get one. If minimum number of drop off locations are not met, chain retail pharmacies must host bins in 15% of stores
• Covered products include pet medicines and needles and over the counter drugs, not just prescription drugs
• The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (“CalRecycle”) is the lead agency in consultation with Board of Pharmacy and California Department. of Public Health
• SB 212 authorizes CalRecycle to impose an administrative penalty on a covered entity, program operator, stewardship organization, or authorized collector that sells, offers for sale, or provides a covered drug or sharp in violation of the bill’s provisions
• SB 212 preempts a local stewardship program for drugs or sharps enacted by an ordinance with an effective date on or after April 18, 2018, but not to an ordinance with an effective date before that date
Since SB 212 was approved at the State level, the Department will not seek approval of a local ordinance.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
No other agency was involved in development of this report. This report was presented to the Health and Human Services Committee during their October 18 meeting; the committee recommended this report is presented to the Board of Supervisors in its their consent calendar.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the County General Fund from this report.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐ Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐ Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒ Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐ Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐ Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Ezequiel Vega, Assistant Director of Health x 4622
Approved by: Elsa Jimenez, Director of Health x 4526