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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
opioids; containers; labeling; requirements; repeal
Purpose
Eliminates the requirement that prescription opioid containers, directly dispensed by a pharmacist and not for immediate use, have a red cap.
Background
In 2018,
Governor Doug Ducey called for a Special Session of the Legislature dedicated
to addressing the statewide opioid epidemic and ultimately signed S.B. 1001:
controlled substances; regulation; appropriation, which enacted a series of
statutory and session law changes related to the prescribing, administering,
dispensing and use of opioid drugs. Additionally, the bill required that the
container of a schedule II drug that is an opioid, directly dispensed by a
pharmacist and not for immediate use, have a red cap and a warning label about
potential addiction
(Laws 2018,
First Special Session, Ch. 1).
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (USDEA) schedule II drugs, substances or chemicals are defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse and usage can potentially lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Common examples of schedule II drugs include cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, oxycodone, and fentanyl (USDEA).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Repeals the requirement that the container of a schedule II controlled substance that is an opioid, directly dispensed by a pharmacist and not for immediate use, have a red cap.
2. Makes technical changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 3, 2023
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