H.R. 5809 is expected to be considered on the House floor on Wednesday, September 22, 2010, under a suspension of the rules, requiring a two-third majority vote for passage.  Rep. Inslee (D-WA) introduced H.R. 5809 on July 21, 2010, and it was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.  On July 28, 2010, the committee reported the bill by voice vote.

H.R. 5809 would instruct the Attorney General to require long-term care facilities to arrange for the disposal of certain controlled substances.  In addition, the bill would require the Director of National Drug Control Policy, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to execute a public education and outreach campaign to increase awareness on how to lawfully and safely dispose of prescription drugs, including controlled substances.  Also, the GAO would be required to submit findings and recommendations to Congress regarding use, effectiveness, and accessibility of disposal programs.  Lastly, the EPA would study and report on the environmental impact resulting from the disposal of controlled substances in existing programs.   

CBO estimates that this bill would have no significant cost to the federal government.