On Feb. 26, MHA received approval from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Commissioner Paul Eger on an improved agreement known as the "alternative method for evaluating pharmaceutical waste."

The improved agreement removes controlled substances from the list of risk criteria groups that hospitals must consider when determining if a pharmaceutical waste should be handled as hazardous. The new agreement also includes an updated list of MHA hospitals [DOC], thus expanding the number of facilities that may operate using this approach.

To view the complete "alternative method for evaluating pharmaceutical waste" document, visit our  page here.

In 2005, the MHA and MPCA reached the original agreement on the "alternative method for evaluating pharmaceutical waste" after hospitals found it very difficult to gather the specific data required to determine if pharmaceutical waste was lethal under Minnesota hazardous waste rules. This agreed-upon method has minimized an otherwise significant diversion of time and resources away from patient care, while retaining the protection of human health and the environment.

MHA will host training programs featuring MPCA regulators May 26 in Baxter, May 27 in Plymouth and June 3 in Morton. Further details are also available on the MHA events Web site.

Hospital leaders are encouraged to share information about the improved agreement and MHA training programs with safety, pharmacy and laboratory directors. The training programs will also feature a breakout session for clinic and long-term care staff.

For more information contact Ann Gibson, MHA federal relations director at (651) 603-3527.