Colorado § 25.5-5-502 - Unused medications - reuse - rules - definition.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 25.5-5-502 — Unused medications - reuse - rules - definition., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 25.5-5-502. Unused medications - reuse - rules - definition.
(1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "medication" means prescription medication that is not a controlled substance.
(2) A pharmacist participating in the medical assistance program may accept unused medication from a licensed facility, as defined in section 12-280-135 (1)(b), or a licensed health-care provider for the purpose of dispensing the medication to another person. A pharmacist shall reimburse the state department for the cost of medications that the state department has paid to the pharmacist if medications are returned to a pharmacist and the medications are available to be dispensed to another person. Medications shall only be available to be dispensed to another person under this section if the medications are:
(a) Liquid and the vial is still sealed and properly stored;
(b) Individually packaged and the packaging has not been damaged; or
(c) In the original, unopened, sealed, and tamper-evident unit dose packaging.
(3) Medication dispensed pursuant to this section shall bear an expiration date that is later than six months after the date the drug was donated.
(4) Any savings realized through reimbursements received pursuant to subsection (2) of this section shall fund the administration of this section.
(5) The state board, in consultation with the state board of pharmacy, shall adopt rules for the implementation of this section.
Source: L. 2006: Entire article added with relocations, p. 1904, § 7, effective July 1. L. 2012: IP(2) amended, (HB 12-1311), ch. 281, p. 1621, § 76, effective July 1. L. 2019: IP(2) amended, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1710, § 186, effective October 1. L. 2021: (4) amended, (SB 21-266), ch. 423, p. 2803, § 24, effective July 2.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 26-4-406.3 as it existed prior to 2006.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 25.5-5-502
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 25.5-5-502 cover?
Section 25.5-5-502 ("Unused medications - reuse - rules - definition.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 25.5-5-502?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 25.5-5-502" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 25.5-5-502 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.