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Controlled Drugs
This section contains information on the post Shipman changes to the legal framework around the use and management of controlled drugs. It signposts the user to the relevant legislation and guidance from Government, professional bodies and other agencies.
Latest updates
13 October 2008: Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001
(Gateway reference number: 10636) This confirms that a group licence allowing the supply or offer to supply diazepam and/or morphine sulphate injection or oral required for the purpose of immediate and necessary patient treatment covers NHS ambulance trusts, NHS paramedics and privately employed (including self employed) paramedics.
Safer management of controlled drugs: context
The Government's response to the fourth report of the Shipman Inquiry December 2004:
The government set out a comprehensive programme of action to strengthen the safeguards for patients and the general public, while ensuring that patients who need controlled drugs can still get access to them.
Legislation
The underpinning legislative framework to support the safe (the legislation) management of Controlled Drugs is provided by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Health Act 2006, DH legislation) and their subsequence regulations.
Statutory Instrument 2006 No.3148
Guidance
Safer management of controlled drugs (CDs): changes to record keeping requirements guidance (for England only)
Published: 28/01/2008
This guidance informs and supports relevant healthcare professionals and organisations in implementing changes to the record keeping requirements for Controlled Drugs (CDs) required by changes made to 'The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001' set out in SI 2006/1450 and SI 2006/2178 &.. This guidance also informs and supports relevant healthcare professionals and organisations in implementing changes required to the format of the Controlled Drugs Register (CDR) and the headings/titles of the columns used to capture the mandatory fields of information
Guidance on the destruction of controlled drugs - new role for Accountable Officers
Published: 17/12/2007 11:57
This document promotes the safe and effective use of controlled drugs in healthcare organisations providing secondary care. The guidance incorporates legislative changes made in July 2007 and will support healthcare professionals and organisations in implementing the new arrangements.
Safer management of controlled drugs: a guide to good practice in secondary care (England)
Published: 23/10/2007 13:20
This document promotes the safe and effective use of controlled drugs in healthcare organisations providing secondary care. The guidance incorporates legislative changes made in July 2007 and will support healthcare professionals and organisations in implementing the new arrangements.
Safer management of controlled drugs: (1) guidance on strengthened governance arrangements
Published: 01/01/2007
The purpose of this guidance is to promote the safe and effective use of all controlled drugs. The guidance sets out strengthened governance arrangements for controlled drugs in England.
Safer management of Controlled drugs (CDs): changes to record-keeping requirements
Published: 12/10/2006
The purpose of this guidance is to inform and support relevant healthcare professionals and organisations in implementing changes to the record keeping requirements for controlled drugs required by recent changes to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. This guidance supersedes the document Safer Management of Controlled Drugs: Changes to Record Keeping Requirements (Interim Guidance - June 2006).
Safer management of controlled drugs: private CD prescriptions and other changes to the prescribing and dispensing of controlled drugs
Published: 03/07/2006
This document sets out the action required to implement a series of changes to the way controlled drugs (CDs) for human use are prescribed and dispensed and the monitoring of this activity. The arrangements came into force on 1 April 2006 and have now been given statutory backing in the Misuse of Drugs regulations which will come into effect on 7 July 2006.
Governance arrangements (monitoring and inspection)
Relevant provisions in the Health Bill, and guidelines on governance, monitoring and inspection.
Key external links
Websites where additional information can be found on the safe management of Controlled Drugs
National Prescribing Centre (NPC)
The NPC has a portfolio of resources and programmes to support good practice in medicines management services across all healthcare environments. The NPC virtual learning environment, NPCi covers around thirty key medicines management topics.
During May 2009, the NPC are launching their new Accountable Officers website. The website will provide additional resources for all Accountable Officers such as a relevant regulations, Accountable Officers handbook, training materials, What’s New section and FAQs (the NPC AO Website will be added in May)
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) formally known as the Healthcare Commission, is the independent regulator of all health and adult social care in England. Their aim is to make sure better care is provided for everyone including promoting the safe management of controlled drugs. Information on the CQC can be found on their website.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB)
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) is the professional and regulatory body for pharmacists in England, Scotland and Wales.
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