With new rules coming on hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, potentially affected healthcare facilities should evaluate current management practices, evaluate best management practices for regulated facilities and develop a plan to prepare for and manage a regulatory inspection, according to an article on the Lexology website.

EPA’s proposed rule includes a very broad definition of “pharmaceuticals.” The expanded definition includes supplements and items containing pharmaceutical residuals. 

The proposed rule covers not just hospitals and large reverse distributors, but includes a diverse and broad category of “other” healthcare facilities These include pharmacies, veterinary clinics, physicians’ offices, dental offices, other health practitioners, outpatient care centers, other ambulatory health care services, nursing care facilities, continuing care retirement communities, and medical examiners.

The dilemma facing potentially regulated entities is what to do prior to the issuance of a final rule. 

Read the article.