CurrentsanfranciscohealthplanPolicy FSR-A_ IV B_PP_Drug and Hazardous Substance Disposal

Drug and Hazardous Substance Disposal

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Establishes site-level safety, storage, labeling, transport, and disposal practices for drugs and hazardous substances at San Francisco Health Plan-affiliated sites; applies to facility staff and contractors handling such materials.

Policy Summary

Payersanfranciscohealthplan

PolicyDrug and Hazardous Substance Disposal

Policy CodePolicy FSR-A_ IV B_PP_Drug and Hazardous Substance Disposal

Change TypeNo material change

Effective DateJan 1, 2022

Next Review Date

Key ActionSites require review and certification per DHCS Title 22 §53230 and DHCS APL 20-006.

SourceLink

POLICY UPDATE CHANGES

No material clinical or coverage changes in this revision.

CAL-OSHA & 29 CFR 1910.1030Referenced safety standards

40 CFR part 261EPA toxic waste rule

Title 22 §53230DHCS citation

LockableStorage control

Site disposal and handling requirements

Site disposal and handling criteria

Site requirements and practices include the following elements:

Follow current CAL-OSHA standards and 29 CFR 1910.1030 for on-site safety practices.

Keep hazardous materials in lockable storage areas inaccessible to patients.

Do not remove the manufacturer’s label from a container (bag, bottle, box, can, cylinder, etc.) if hazardous material or residues remain in the container.

Classify and dispose of unused drugs in accordance with EPA requirements (40 CFR part 261) as toxic waste.

When preparing biohazard or medical waste for offsite transport, use containers that comply with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements and ensure the medical waste transporter maintains and provides a completed tracking document to the generator.

Label all portable hazardous chemical containers and secondary containers with identity, hazard warning (words/pictures/symbols), and date of preparation or transfer.

Retain receipts from the medical waste hauler and ensure site-specific review and approval by site management prior to adopting local procedures.

Sites are subject to DHCS site review and certification per Title 22, Section 53230 and DHCS All Plan Letter 20-006 (Facility Site Review and Medical Record Review).

Regulatory codes and classifications

Regulatory codes referencedmixed

40 CFR part 261

EPA classification and disposal requirements for toxic wastes (unused drugs).

Site review and certification requirements

Documentation Required

DHCS Title 22 §53230 and APL 20-006 site review/certification requirement

Sites are subject to Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) facility site review and certification requirements under Title 22, California Code of Regulations, Section 53230, and must follow DHCS All Plan Letter 20-006 concerning site reviews and medical record review. Ensure site processes and documentation are available for DHCS review and certification as required by these authorities.

Key definitions

Hazardous substance — definition

DefinitionSubstances that are physical or health hazards (see examples).

Physical hazard examplesCombustible liquids; compressed gases; explosives; flammables; organic peroxides; oxidizers; pyrophorics; unstable or water-reactive materials.

Health hazard examplesCarcinogens; toxic or highly toxic agents; irritants; corrosives; sensitizers; agents that damage lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.

Regulatory noteAll unused drugs are considered by the EPA to be toxic wastes and must be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR part 261.

Container & transport requirementsBiohazard waste containers must meet DOT requirements for offsite transport; medical waste transporters must maintain and provide completed tracking documents to the generator.

Labeling requirementsAll portable hazardous chemical containers and secondary containers must be labeled with identity, hazard warning (words/pictures/symbols), and date of preparation or transfer.

Policy Summary

Payersanfranciscohealthplan

PolicyDrug and Hazardous Substance Disposal

Policy CodePolicy FSR-A_ IV B_PP_Drug and Hazardous Substance Disposal

Change TypeNo material change

Effective DateJan 1, 2022

Next Review Date

Key ActionSites require review and certification per DHCS Title 22 §53230 and DHCS APL 20-006.

SourceLink

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