The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has given advance notice of proposed Rulemaking on the Disposal of Controlled Substances by Persons Not Registered With the Drug Enforcement Administration.

In response to concerns raised by individuals, public and private organizations, the healthcare industry, and the law enforcement community, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is soliciting information on the disposal of controlled substances dispensed to individual patients, also defined as ultimate users, as well as long term care facilities. The DEA is seeking options for the safe and responsible disposal of dispensed controlled substances in a manner consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and its implementing regulations.

The AVMA desires to help prevent diversion of controlled substances and support sound environmental disposal of the drugs for the benefit of public health. The AVMA balances those goals with the desire to limit any unnecessary economic burden on veterinarian registrants, the majority of which represent small businesses. The AVMA recommends that law enforcement agencies are the appropriate agencies to undertake safe disposal of controlled substances from ultimate users, including client-owned animals.