EPA Authorizes Alternate PHRM Code on Manifest

Based on concerns expressed by industry regarding the inability of healthcare facilities to list the entire PHARMS code in Item 13 required under the new 266 Subpart P Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals which went into effect in non-authorized states August 21, 2019, EPA has issued an alternate code, PHRM, which fits into the paper hazardous waste manifest which is still in common usage.

PharmEcology® Provides Disposal Guidelines for the 2019-2020 Flu Season

PharmEcology, a division of WM Sustainability Services, is pleased to publish a summary of the proper flu vaccine disposal guidelines for the 2019-2020 flu season as a public service to the healthcare community.

EPA’s New Hazardous Waste Pharmaceutical Rule: Top Takeaways

EPA’s New Hazardous Waste Pharmaceutical Rule - Top Takeaways

EPA Signs New Management Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals

EPA has issued the pre-publication version of its Final Rule on the management of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals with the following summary: SUMMARY: Some pharmaceuticals are regulated as hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) when discarded.

PharmEcology Launches USP <800> Assessment of Risk Consulting Service

With the December 1, 2019 deadline for USP <800> compliance only a year away, PharmEcology Services, WMSS is launching a unique consulting service which leverages the PharmEcology database to provide a customized Assessment of Risk (A of R) for clients based on their Inventory Analysis along with an A of R algorithm that enables healthcare facilities to customize relevant decisions, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), containment strategies, etc.

The EPA’s e-Manifest system for tracking hazardous waste is now in effect as of July 1, 2018

On July 1, 2018 EPA launched its Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System, known as e-Manifest, for the tracking of hazardous waste, including hazardous waste pharmaceuticals, from the generator through to final disposal.

The Joint Commission (TJC) to focus on pharmaceutical wastage during surveys beginning January 1, 2018

According to the standards described below, The Joint Commission will focus on pharmaceutical wastage of controlled substances as well as hazardous pharmaceutical wastage with a focus on applicable diversion prevention strategies.

USP Announces Delay in Implementation of USP <800> to December 1, 2019

USP made the announcement of the implementation delay on its website on September 29th, 2017 as follows:

Important Updates

USP is announcing the intent to postpone the official date of General Chapter <800>.

EPA Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule Effective Federally May 30, 2017

The EPA Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule became effective federally May 30, 2017. It is therefore active in Iowa and Alaska, two states that operate under federal EPA authority.

NIOSH 2016 List Updates

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Alert: Preventing Occupational Exposures to Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings was published originally in September 2004 in which NIOSH identified a sample list of major hazardous drugs. The list was updated in 2010, 2012, 2014 and most recently in September 2016.

PharmEcology Launches New State-Specific Website

PharmEcology Services, a business unit of WM Sustainability Services, is pleased to announce our new website and database to better serve our clients.

New Increased EPA RCRA Civil Penalty Authority

In 2015, Congress raised the penalty authority regarding a number of statutes, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

EPA Announces Publication of the Final Rule: Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements

The EPA Administrator signed the Final Rule: Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements on October 28, 2016 and it was published in the Federal Register (FR) on November 28, 2016.

NIOSH Publishes 2016 Hazardous Drug List

NIOSH has published its biennial update of the hazardous drug list and continued its practice of offering three tables of products: 

• Group 1: Antineoplastic drugs; 
  
• Group 2: Non-antineoplastic drugs that meet one or more of the NIOSH criteria for a hazardous drug; and 
  
• Group3: Drugs that primarily pose a reproductive risk to men and women who are actively trying to conceive and women who are pregnant or breast feeding
  

OSHA Updates Hazardous Drug Handling Website

OSHA has updated its 1999 Technical Manual on handling hazardous drugs