Bill Overview
Title: RETURN Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires regulations that govern the disposal of narcotics by reverse distributors to be revised so as to allow these entities to open and inspect packages that are received through mail-back programs and to allow them to send the packages offsite for destruction.
Sponsors: Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5]
Target Audience
Population: People potentially impacted by improved narcotic disposal regulations
Estimated Size: 331000000
- Reverse distributors who manage the disposal of narcotics will be directly affected by this change in regulations as their operational procedures will be expanded upon.
- Regulatory bodies overseeing narcotic disposal processes will need to implement and ensure compliance with these revised regulations.
- Healthcare facilities and pharmacies that utilize mail-back programs for the disposal of unused narcotics will need to adjust to the revised rules set for the reverse distributors.
- General public safety may be improved as a result of more efficient and secure processes for narcotic disposal, reducing the risk of diverted substances.
Reasoning
- The policy is primarily targeted at organizations and institutions involved with narcotic disposal, such as reverse distributors and healthcare facilities. However, the broader public benefits from improved safety, potentially preventing unused narcotics from entering communities illicitly.
- With a budget of $30 million in the first year and $162.5 million over ten years, the policy is likely to significantly enhance operational procedures and compliance measures without excessively straining financial resources.
- Due to the large number of institutions involved in narcotic disposal across the US, the impact is widespread but varies in intensity depending on the direct involvement of an individual or entity in narcotic handling and disposal.
- Most individuals may not notice an immediate improvement in their personal day-to-day life but can appreciate the long-term benefits such as enhanced community health and safety.
Simulated Interviews
Reverse Distributor Manager (Columbus, Ohio)
Age: 46 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This change will make our operations more efficient and secure. We're looking forward to better protocols for managing narcotic disposal.
- I believe this can reduce some of the stress and confusion that currently exists around disposal processes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Pharmacist (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Efficient narcotic disposal is crucial for our pharmacy to function safely. The new policy should help standardize procedures.
- I'm hopeful this reduces the burden on our staff when handling returns.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Regulatory Auditor (New York, New York)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having clear guidelines will make our audits more straightforward. It's good for both companies and compliance officers like myself.
- I'm optimistic this will enhance how we ensure public safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Hospital Administrator (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This should help improve our hospital's handling of unused narcotics, streamlining our operations considerably.
- I anticipate fewer complications during disposal phases.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Public Health Administrator (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reducing access to leftover narcotics could have a big impact on public safety.
- This should deter narcotic misuse within communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's good to see efforts being made to keep communities safer from unused narcotics.
- I don't see a direct personal benefit, but it feels reassuring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Addiction Counselor (Dallas, Texas)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that restricts access to substances that can be abused is a positive step.
- While it may not change things overnight, it's a necessary change in the right direction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Mail Carrier (Denver, Colorado)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad to hear these policies are updating. The clarity helps in ensuring proper handling of sensitive packages.
- Hopefully, it means fewer risks when transporting these items.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Community Center Volunteer (Miami, Florida)
Age: 63 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving narcotic disposal knowledge and practices is crucial for preventing misuse among young people.
- I support any regulations that prioritize safety within communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Small Business Owner (Pharmacy) (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This regulation change could potentially reduce the workload associated with compliance.
- I hope it leads to more robust procedures with better guidance from reverse distributors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $40000000)
Year 2: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Year 3: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $25000000)
Year 10: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $500000 (Low: $0, High: $1000000)
Key Considerations
- The exact cost to reverse distributors in adjusting their operations could vary significantly based on existing infrastructure and processes.
- Compliance costs to healthcare facilities may vary depending on the scale of their mail-back programs.
- Long-term public health benefits could mitigate some costs through improved safety and reduced opioid misuse.