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Absolute Pharmacy and Community Providers Deliver on Promise of Karon's Law, Redispensing Unused Prescription Drugs to Needy Ohioans
Aug 6, 2006

Ohio’s Pioneering Prescription Drug Recycling Program Gains National Momentum
Source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/8/prweb420710.htm

Canton, Ohio (PRWEB) August 6, 2006 -- In 2002, Ohio became the first state in the nation to enact law allowing medical institutions to donate unused prescription medications in sealed, single-use packaging to medical clinics so they may be redistributed to people who need them.

The parties who started it all, Mr. Garry Beltz and State Senator Kirk Schuring (R-Ohio 29th) are meeting with regional healthcare providers, Absolute Pharmacy and the Western Stark Medical Clinic, to see how they’re delivering $1 million per month in prescription donations to the needy.

Ohio’s “Karon’s Law" is named for the late Karon Beltz, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 1999. Karon’s name is celebrated because of her husband, Garry Beltz’s activism. Mr. Beltz sought out his state legislator after learning the law required him to have his late wife’s cancer medications, then valued at $6,700, destroyed. Appalled at the prospect of having no choice but to waste medications he knew many people could not afford, Mr. Beltz sought to change the law. He succeeded; and well beyond Ohio’s borders.

Since Ohio’s law was enacted, 35 additional states have taken steps to establish prescription drug redistribution programs. They vary from state to state. Some are broad-based efforts, while others are focused only on certain types of drugs, such as those used to treat cancer. Most of the programs are being established under state law, yet at least one (North Carolina) opted for an administrative approach. California’s provision authorizes counties to set up their own programs. And as a touching tribute to the Beltz family, who continue to testify to state and federal assemblies about the merits of prescription drug recycling, legislation enacted in Georgia also was titled “Karon’s Law.”

In Ohio, after Gov. Bob Taft signed Karon’s Law (HB 221) on Jan. 6, 2003, lawmakers charged the Board of Pharmacy to establish the state’s program with rules governing requirements and procedures for eligibility, handling, quality assurance and redistribution. Those rules were made effective in April 2004, followed by a cautious start, as other industry participants, legal and regulatory advisors stepped forward to review what was the nation’s first formalized drug redistribution program.

Ohio’s Prescription Drug Repository Program is now a voluntary program that allows unused drugs that have been in the controlled possession of a healthcare professional to be re-dispensed to patients who need them, through donation to an Ohio pharmacy, hospital or non-profit clinic. All prescription drugs are eligible except controlled substances and drug samples, provided they meet packaging and storage requirements, and have not been in possession of the end user.

The law specifically affords “Good Samaritan” liability protection to all participants, providing immunity from criminal, tort and any other civil or disciplinary actions for matters related to participating in the program. Despite these protections, some providers have been reluctant to move forward. Senator Schuring introduced a new bill (SB 228) early this year that would make participation mandatory in Ohio, but says he won’t push it if more providers participate.

A list of additional states with prescription redistribution laws implemented or in the works is attached.

About Absolute Pharmacy:
Absolute Pharmacy, Inc. based in North Canton, is an institutional pharmacy serving facilities primarily north of Columbus and throughout the Northeast Ohio region. The company stakes its reputation on responsive customer service, ensuring personalized care for patients around the clock, with pharmacists on call 24/7.

About Senator Kirk Schuring:
Senator Kirk Schuring was born and raised in Stark County, educated at Kent State University and developed leadership skills in business and community service. By the time he took the helm of his father’s insurance company, and through involvement in the community with the Republican Party, Urban League, Lung Association and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival Schuring was ready for appointment to the Ohio House of Representatives, where he completed 20 months of Dave Johnson’s unexpired term. He was later elected to four additional two-year terms in the 55th district, and served as Dean of the House during his final term. In December 2002, Schuring was elected State Senator of the 29th District, where he continues to serve Ohioans today.

About the Western Stark Medical Clinic
The Western Stark Medical Clinic is a collaborative between Community Services of Stark County, Inc., and Massillon Community Hospital, offering free health care services to low-income families and individuals.

States with Rx Redistribution Laws

Arizona, Louisiana,North Carolina, Arkansas, Maine,Ohio, California, Maryland, Oklahoma, Colorado,Massachusetts*, Rhode Island*, Connecticut,Minnesota, South Dakota, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Missouri , Texas, Hawaii, Montana , Utah, Indiana, Nebraska , Vermont, Iowa,Nevada,Virginia , Kansas,New Jersey,Wisconsin, Kentucky, New York , Wyoming

*Indicates these laws initiate with a study.

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