Whereas, there is no procedure in place for the safe and effective disposal of unused or expired pharmaceuticals; and

Whereas, these unused or expired medications often are toxic; and

Whereas, these medications frequently end up in the illegal drug market, threatening the health and lives of Maine citizens; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 22 MRSA c. 604 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 604

DISPOSAL OF PHARMACEUTICALS

§2700.__Unused Pharmaceutical Disposal Program

1.__Establishment; purpose.__There is established the Unused Pharmaceutical Disposal Program, referred to in this chapter as "the program."__The purpose of the program is to ensure the safe, effective and proper disposal of unused or expired prescription drugs.

2.__Administration.__The program is administered by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, referred to in this chapter as "the agency," established in Title 25, section 2955.

3.__Return of pharmaceuticals.__The agency shall create a system for the return of unused or expired pharmaceuticals.__The system must involve the use of prepaid mailing envelopes into which the unused or expired pharmaceuticals are placed and returned to a single collection location.__The prepaid mailers must be made available to the public at various locations, including, but not limited to, pharmacies, physicians' offices and post offices.