36-123.01. Drug disposal education and awareness; controlled substances; public-private partnership; fund

A. On or before January 1, 2019, the department shall enter into a public-private partnership to develop an education and awareness program regarding the disposal of prescription drugs, including controlled substances, nonprescription drugs, needles and sharps. The education and awareness program may include:

1. A web-based resource that:

(a) Describes available drug disposal options, including drug disposal take-back sites, drug disposal take-back events, in-home drug disposal options that render products safe from misuse and any other method that complies with state and federal laws and the rules adopted pursuant to those laws.

(b) May reduce the availability of unused controlled substances and may minimize the potential environmental impact of drug disposal options.

(c) Provides a list of drug disposal take-back sites that may be sorted and searched by name or location.

(d) Provides a list of drug disposal take-back events in this state, including the date, time and location information for each event.

(e) Describes appropriate disposal methods for needles and sharps and location sites providing for disposal of needles and sharps.

2. Educational activities designed to ensure consumer awareness of the safe storage and effective disposal of prescription drugs, including controlled substances, and nonprescription drugs.

B. The drug disposal education and awareness fund is established consisting of monies donated or contributed to the fund by private persons or organizations. The department shall administer the fund. Monies in the fund are continuously appropriated and are exempt from the provisions of section 35-190 relating to lapsing of appropriations. Monies in the fund shall be used to pay for the costs of administering the education and awareness program established pursuant to this section.