Disposing of medications at time of death

[RubyRN,CHPN]

I was approached this week by a former colleague with a question. I thought I'd throw it to the experts:

Is it becoming common at time of death for hospice nurse to release unused narcotics to funeral home/director to give to coroner's office for disposal? Have you seen this done at your hospice or know of a hospice where this is being done? What is your policy?

[Mazzi]

Federal guidelines state to place narcotics in cat litter or coffee grounds to dispose narcotics.