What is required for the destruction of outdated CII medications?

The destruction of outdated Schedule II (CII) medications must be conducted in accordance with strict regulatory requirements due to the potential for abuse and diversion of these substances. The correct answer indicates that a Form 222 is required for transfer to a reverse distributor.

A reverse distributor is an entity registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that is authorized to take possession of controlled substances that are outdated or otherwise unusable. When handling CII medications, the transfer involves completing a DEA Form 222, which serves as an official record of the transfer of controlled substances between registered entities. This form is necessary to maintain compliance with federal regulations and ensure that the transfer, and subsequent destruction of these medications, is properly documented and traceable.

This process is critical for upholding the integrity of the controlled substances distribution system and for minimizing the risk of misuse and illegal availability. Other options are not appropriate due to inadequate compliance with regulations governing the handling of controlled substances. For instance, incineration must be handled through a registered facility, and disposal in regular trash or returning to a manufacturer does not meet the legal standards required for controlled substances.