Should the VA Allow the Public to Dispose of Unused Opioids in Drop Boxes at its Facilities During Designated Time Periods? (S. 957)

What is S. 957?

(Updated August 27, 2021)

This bill was enacted on July 29, 2021

This bill — known as the DUMP Opioids Act — would require the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate periods during which any individual can dispose of controlled substances medications at VA medical facilities with an on-site pharmacy or a physical location dedicated for law enforcement purposes. It would also authorize the VA to carry out public information campaigns regarding the designated disposal periods. Certain VA medical centers with pharmacies will be approved to have drop boxes for veterans to deposit unused medications starting in 2022, and this bill would allow the general public to use the drop boxes at designated times.

Argument in favor

Far too many Americans have died of overdoses or had their lives derailed by addiction to controlled substance medications, most notably opioids. This bill would make it easier for the general public to join veterans in disposing of unused opioids in drop boxes at VA medical facilities at certain times.

Argument opposed

While it may be easier for the general public to have windows of opportunity to dispose of unused opioids at VA facilities, there are other places they can go to get rid of potentially dangerous medications.

Impact

Americans with unused controlled substance medications; and VA medical facilities.

Cost of S. 957

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced this bill to streamline the disposal of unused controlled substance prescription medications at VA medical centers, and offered the following statement on its passage by the Senate:

“Many opioid users rely on unused prescription medications that belong to family and friends, and Americans can help fight opioid addiction simply by clearing out their medicine cabinets. We can reduce access to addictive and dangerous substances by making it easy for every American to get rid of unused medicine at drop boxes that sit on VA medical centers. The DUMP Opioids Act is a smart to save lives, and you don’t have to wait until Take Back Day.”

Nearly 50,000 Americans died from opioid-related overdoses in 2019. Take Back Day is an annual event where individuals can dispose of unused prescription medication at DEA drop sites.

This legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent on April 22, 2021. The bill was originally sponsored by Kennedy and Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN), while Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Jon Tester (D-MT) have since signed on as cosponsors according to Kennedy’s office.

Media:

• Sponsoring Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) Press Release