Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Richard Hudson (NC-08) joined Rep. Walberg as original cosponsors of the bill.
This legislation would help prevent the misuse or diversion of unused medications by equipping hospice professionals with the legal authority to safely dispose of unused drugs after a hospice patient’s death.
In a press release, Rep. Walberg stated “Many patients receiving hospice care need painkillers to help with end-of-life pain, but any leftover medication can unfortunately end up in the wrong hands.”
“Our bill equips hospices and caregivers with the right to destroy unused meds after a hospice patient passes away, helping to ensure that it is not diverted out into the community,” said Rep. Walberg.
The hospice community is actively working toward avoiding drug diversion and this bill is a common-sense approach that will help curtail the opioid problem. National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization supports this bill, appreciates Congressman Walberg’s leadership, and looks forward to working with him in the future.
NHPCO affiliate the Hospice Action Network will soon release a one-page brief on this legislation and information on the public can support this legislation.
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