Pharmaceutical waste management issues and options for health systems

Increasing regulatory fines and environmental concerns are prompting pharmacists and other health care professionals to take a closer look at how pharmaceutical waste is managed. It is becoming clear that health care facilities need to develop comprehensive plans bringing each department into full EPA and state regulatory compliance by segregating drug waste into appropriate waste streams.

ASHP Advantage recognized the importance of this national issue and, through an education grant from Vestara, has developed two informative continuing education programs available for CE credits through August 31, 2008. Each provides 1.0 hour (0.1 CEUs) of continuing credit for both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Pharmaceutical Waste Management in Health Systems

Presented by Sara J. White, M.S., RPh, Pharmacy Leadership Consultant, and William W. Churchill, M.S., RPh, Executive Director of Pharmacy Services at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital.

This CE program provides timely and important information for health care professionals relating to the appropriate management and handling of pharmaceutical waste. Evaluate how generated waste is currently being handled in comparison to federal and state regulatory law. Identify key tools and services that can be used to facilitate compliance. Compare the pros and cons of various manual methods or automated technologies for managing hazardous drug waste in a health care facility.

Regulatory Compliance and Practical Considerations in the Management of Pharmaceutical Waste in Health Systems

Presented by Firouzan 'Fred" Massoomi, Pharm. D., FASHP, Pharmacy Operations Coordinator at Nebraska Methodist Hospital.

This CE program provides important information on current and evolving regulations and laws relating to the appropriate management and handling of pharmaceutical waste. Learn which regulatory requirements are crucial for regulated waste compliance. Become familiar with those regulatory agencies responsible for overseeing regulated waste oversights. Acquire knowledge of resources available to help initiate a plan for managing waste.

For detailed information or to participate in these programs, visit http://symposia.ashp.org/pharmawaste

Managing Pharmaceutical Waste
A Discussion Guide for Health-System Pharmacists

Improper disposal of pharmaceuticals is having an adverse impact on the environment and human health worldwide. Pharmacists are not routinely educated on proper drug disposal, yet it is everyone's responsibility to learn how to protect our environment and future generations. This guide, developed by ASHP Advantage, provides important information on pharmaceutical waste, including definitions, regulations, and management.

Click here to have a copy of this valuable guide sent to you

Committed to Answering the Critical Needs of Drug Waste Management

Vestara, a leader in developing regulatory compliant cost effective solutions for managing pharmaceutical waste, is committed to helping hospitals through advanced technology that identifies and sorts drug waste, as well as educational resources that highlight the importance of gaining regulatory compliance.