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Governance arrangements (monitoring and inspection)

  • Last modified date:
    8 February 2007

We have introduced primary legislation in the Health Bill

Subject to parliamentary consent, the key provisions are:

  • healthcare organisations and independent hospitals will be required to appoint an Accountable Officer - to ensure that the organisation has robust arrangements for the safe and effective handling of controlled drugs.
  • A duty of collaboration will be placed on healthcare organisations and other local and national agencies, including professional regulatory bodies, police forces, the Healthcare Commission and the Commission for Social Care Inspection to share intelligence on controlled drugs issues.
  • A power of entry and inspection will be given to the police and other nominated people to enter premises to inspect stocks and records of controlled drugs.

The Healthcare Commission will assess the performance of healthcare organisations in relation to these responsibilities.  They have established a national group of key interests to oversee arrangements and review national trends.

Following major stakeholder engagement and formal public consultation, guidance on the new governance arrangements is now available

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