New law prohibits flushing of unused medicines
August 11, 2009

Springfield, Ill. – Health care facilities in Illinois will longer be allowed to flush unused pharmaceuticals down toilets or drains under the provisions of a new law that co-sponsor State Sen. Dan Cronin (R-Elmhurst) says seeks to reduce the negative impact that unused medicine can have on water quality and the surrounding environment.

“There’s been a lot of concern that flushing medicines into the public water supply has a negative impact on the environment, the aquatic organisms and fish living in those waters, and that long-term exposure to these pharmaceuticals will ultimately harm the people who are consuming it,” Cronin explained.

Cronin said that the measure applies to hospitals, nursing homes, residential health care facilities, home health care agencies, hospice programs, and mental and developmentally disabled health care facilities. Employees at these facilities will be prohibited from disposing of unused medicine into a public wastewater or septic system.

Violators may be subject to a $500 fine, which will be deposited into either the Long Term Care Monitor/Receiver Fund, or the Environmental Protection Trust Fund.  

Public Act 96-0221 will take effect on January 1, 2010.
 
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Dan Cronin
ABOUT 7 HOURS AGO
This law will hopefully prevent future problems at the DuPage Water Commission and ensure transparency... http://tinyurl.com/38q4jpl
Dan Cronin
ABOUT 7 HOURS AGO
Water Commission Bill has become law. This law will bring new leadership and much-needed reform to the DuPage Water Commission.
Dan Cronin
Monday, 28 June 2010 19:55
We will be walking in the Glen Ellyn 4th of July parade on Sunday. Come and join us.
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