SCS/SB 559 - This act requires long-term care facilities to return unused medications to pharmacies for reuse and reimbursement. A new Section 208.554 is created to require long- term care facilities serving Medicaid patients to return unused portions of medications to the vendor pharmacy for repackaging and reimbursement to the Department of Social Services. The unused drugs must be:

1. Prescription drugs that are not controlled substances; 2. Sealed in individually packaged units; 3. Returned to the pharmacy within the recommended shelf life; 4. Determined to be acceptable by a licensed pharmacist; and 5. Oral and parenteral medication in single-dose sealed containers, topical or inhalant drug products in unit containers, or parenteral medications in multiple-dose sealed containers all of which must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

If the drugs are packaged in manufacturers' unit-dose packages, then they must be returned to the vendor pharmacy for redispensing and reimbursement to the Department. If the drugs are repackaged in manufacturers' unit-dose or multiple-dose blister packs, then they must be returned to the vendor pharmacy for redispensing and reimbursement if:

1. The repackaging date, the lot number, and expiration date are noted on the package; 2. Ninety days or less have passed since repackaging; and 3. A repackaging log is maintained by the pharmacy.

No drugs dispensed in bulk containers may be returned or reused. Each long-term care facility must establish procedures for the return of unused drugs. The Department must reimburse the vendor pharmacy for at the lowest dispensing fee charged by the vendor pharmacy. The Department may establish procedures for reimbursement to non-Medicaid payors for drug products.
ERIN MOTLEY