1. A. Single-Drug Unit Dose Packaging.

   1. (1) Automated medication systems that distribute medications in single-drug unit dose packaging may allow for return of unused medications to the system provided that:

      1. (a) The medication is returned to a designated common, secure, one-way returns bin; and
      2. (b) A licensed pharmacist determines whether the medication is in an unadulterated form.
   2. (2) Only a licensed pharmacist may return medications directly to the automated medication system under §A(1) of this regulation.

2. B. Unused medications distributed from a remote or decentralized automated medication system in a manner other than single-drug unit dose packaging shall be:

   1. (1) Returned to a designated common, secure, one-way returns bin; and
   2. (2) Returned to the permit holder for proper disposal.
3. C. Unused medications dispensed from a centralized automated medication system stocked with bulk medications may not be returned to the system.

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§12-205(a) and 12-605, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: August 5, 2002 (29:15 Md. R. 1142)

Chapter revised effective October 1, 2012 (39:7 Md. R. 493)