State bills would allow donation of medicines

LANSING (AP) -- A pair of Michigan lawmakers plan to introduce bills that would allow collection and redistribution of prescription medication. The legislation detailed Monday would allow medical facilities to donate unused drugs for distribution to needy patients. The bills would require that drugs donated to pharmacies participating in the redistribution program have never left medical facilities or oversight to ensure safety. The legislation also would require participating pharmacies to become disposal sites for excess drugs. Supporters say that would help make sure medications are safely removed from homes and disposed of properly. Most other states already have similar laws to make redistributing unopened medication legal. The legislation will be sponsored by Democratic Rep. Jim Ananich of Flint and Republican Rep. Joel Johnson of Clare. Published: Wed, Oct 12, 2011