What governs the disposal of medications?

The disposal of medications is governed by a medication destruction policy, which outlines the proper procedures to ensure that medications are disposed of safely and in compliance with legal and environmental regulations. This policy typically details how to handle various types of medications, including controlled substances, to prevent misuse, accidental ingestion, or environmental contamination.

These policies are essential for healthcare facilities and organizations to minimize the risk of drug diversion and ensure public safety. They provide clear guidelines on how to securely dispose of medications that are expired, discontinued, or otherwise no longer needed, often including steps like incineration or using approved disposal methods that adhere to local and federal regulations.

In contrast, storage guidelines focus on how medications should be stored to maintain their effectiveness and safety, prescribing authority pertains to who is legally allowed to prescribe medications, and types of medications simply categorize drugs based on their characteristics or uses. While these aspects are important in medication management, they do not directly address the specific protocols for disposing of medications.