Image of nurses' hands at computer keyboard

The Oklahoma House passed a bill that would make permanent a pilot program whereby nursing homes may send unused prescription drugs to pharmacies at the Oklahoma City and Tulsa city health departments, according to the Daily Oklahoman.

State Rep. Darrell Gilbert (D) sponsored the bill that would extend the pilot program until Jan. 1, 2005. Then it would become permanent. The state Board of Health adopted the regulations two years ago. Under the old policy, unused medications were sent home with the resident or destroyed. Participation in the new one would be voluntary.

The bill also allows the transfer of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy drugs, according to Rep. Gilbert.

The bill will now move to the state Senate.