USPS issues policy for medications found loose, damaged in the mail

USPS now is using the following procedures for the handling of medications found damaged or loose in the mail:

•    Loose in the mail medications. Never attempt matching loose medications with their packaging. Send all loose medications to the Atlanta Mail Recovery Center where they will be handled using procedures that protect consumer privacy.

•    Damaged mail containing medications. Damaged mail, where the contents have been potentially compromised, will either be disposed of or returned to sender based on mail class and ancillary service endorsements.

•    Damaged Merchandise Return Service (MRS) packages containing medications. MRS is used to mail medications that have expired or are no longer needed by the customer. These pieces should be delivered, even when damaged, to the destination address on the preprinted MRS label.

To protect customer safety and privacy, employees should verify the destination addresses of all packages containing medications at their delivery points to make sure each delivery is accurate.
For all mailpieces containing medications, employees also must perform the appropriate barcode scans to provide tracking and visibility for customers.