Controlled Drug Guidance for Community Pharmacies
Keep for reference with your CD SOP or in the Locum Information folder
Issue 1 Publish date: 05 Nov 2013 - Not to be re-used without permission of NHS Arden CSU
PHARMACY MATTERS
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Welcome to the first edition of Pharmacy Matters from Arden Commissioning Support.
The aim of this issue is to provide guidance to community pharmacies regarding control and
supply of Controlled Drugs and answer some frequently asked questions about ‘CDs’:
Who is the Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer (CDAO)? .........................................1
How can I dispose of obsolete and expired CDs? .........................................................1
Are there legal requirements in connection with Information sharing? ......................2
What can I do if an urgent CD prescription contains an error? ....................................2
What are the regulations on storage of Controlled Drugs? ..........................................3
What about Private prescriptions or requisitions for CDs? ..........................................3
What happens to Private CD prescriptions and requisitions? ......................................4
Where do I get these FP10CDF requisition forms from? ..............................................4
What records are needed for Home Delivery Services? ...............................................4
What guidance is available on quantity of CD to be supplied? ....................................5
What are the time restrictions on dispensing CD prescriptions or owings? .................5
Why do I need to maintain a running CD stock balance? .............................................5
What if I find a discrepancy in the Controlled drugs register? .....................................6
What special arrangements are there for Palliative Care CDs? ....................................6
How can I further refresh my knowledge around CDs and make a CPD entry? ............6
Who is the Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer (CDAO)?
The Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer for NHS England Arden Herefordshire and Worcestershire Area Team is
Janet Butterworth, Head of Primary Care. She can be contacted at Wildwood, Wildwood Drive, Worcester, WR5 2LG
Email: janbutterworth@nhs.net Telephone: 0113 82 53133
NHS Arden Commissioning Support provides pharmaceutical support to the CDAO:
Management of Authorised Witness Requests for Coventry and Warwickshire
Reviewing and following up CD incident and GPhC inspection reports submitted to the CDAO
Managing the Local Intelligence Networks and monitoring NHS and Private CD prescribing for the Area Team
Contact Arden Commissioning Support at Medicines.Management@ardencsu.nhs.uk or Tel 01926 493491
How can I dispose of obsolete and expired CDs?
Out of date or obsolete controlled drugs must be destroyed in the presence of an authorised witness. Please see
details of contact below and arrangements will be made for an ACS authorised witness to contact you to arrange
a suitable time. It is a legal requirement for out of date or otherwise unusable stocks of CDs to be destroyed in
the presence of a witness authorised by the Home Office. Arden Commissioning Support has an agreement with
of the CDAO to manage the witnessed destruction of obsolete CDs locally.
To arrange this, in the first instance, please Email a request: England.ahwatcontrolleddrugs@nhs.net
Patient returns - Any CDs dispensed to a patient that are returned as out of date or otherwise unwanted can be
destroyed in the presence of another member of staff. Written records should be kept in a suitable format.
All communications regarding Controlled Drugs should be emailed to:
England.ahwatcontrolleddrugs@nhs.net
Controlled Drug Guidance for Community Pharmacies
Keep for reference with your CD SOP or in the Locum Information folder
Issue 1 Publish date: 05 Nov 2013 - Not to be re-used without permission of NHS Arden CSU
Are there legal requirements in connection with Information sharing?
The Controlled Drugs Regulations 2006 set out the legal requirements for the sharing of information. The
regulations deals with the co-operation between a number of listed health care bodies and other organisations in
regards to the disclosure, the sharing and the recording of information. In addition, you will need to be aware of
the legal requirements for the storage of information relating to CD incidents and monitoring which must be
compliant with the ‘Data Protection Act’ 1998 and ‘Caldicott Guidance’.
Regulation 18 of the ‘Controlled Drugs (Supervision of Management and Use) Regulations 2006’ place a
statutory duty of collaboration on healthcare organisations, police forces, social services authorities and the
relevant inspection and regulatory bodies to enable them to share information about potential CD offences and
potential system failures. AOs should note that there is a legal requirement to share personal information related
to possible breaches or offences and this requirement takes precedent over the Data Protection Act.
Concerns related to use of CD’s by a healthcare professional must be reported to the CD Accountable
Officer (CDAO). The dedicated email inbox the CDAO is: England.ahwatcontrolleddrugs@nhs.net
What controlled drugs can Independent Prescribers prescribe?
Nurses, midwives and pharmacists who are qualified as Nurse Independent Prescribers (NIPs) or Pharmacist
Independent Prescribers (PIPs) have been able to prescribe Controlled Drugs (CDs) since April 2012.
NIPs and PIPs can:
Prescribe any CD listed in schedules 2, 3, 4 & 5 for any medical condition within their
competence, except diamorphine, cocaine and dipipanone for the treatment of addiction
Prescribe other CDs for the treatment of addiction.
Requisition CDs
Possess, supply, offer to supply or administer the drugs they are able to prescribe
Persons acting in accordance with the directions of a PIP are authorised to administer any
schedule 2-5 drugs that the pharmacist legally prescribes.
What can I do if an urgent CD prescription contains an error?
Where a prescription has a minor technical error, but the prescriber’s intention is clear, a pharmacist may still be
able to supply Schedule 2 and 3 CDs:
The errors that pharmacists may amend are listed below.
- Minor typographical errors or spelling mistakes
- Where the total quantity of the preparation of the CD or the number of dosage units as the case may be is
specified in either words or figures but not both (i.e. they may add the words or the figures to the CD
prescription if they have been omitted)
As a safeguard to these changes the pharmacist must satisfy two pre-conditions before amending the prescription
and supplying the CD and must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt, having exercised due diligence, that the
prescription is genuine and that s/he is supplying the drug in accordance with the intention of the prescriber
- Any correction must be marked so as to be attributable to the pharmacist to ensure it is readily identifiable, for
the purpose of the audit
How do I deal with owing prescriptions for CDs?
When the pharmacist is unable to supply the total quantity of the drug requested, only the quantity of drug actually
supplied should be entered in the Controlled Drug Register. A further entry should be made when the balance is
supplied. If the patient no longer requires the balance of the prescription, the prescription should be endorsed with
the actual amount dispensed. It is good practice to record the reason why the remainder was not dispensed; e.g.
adverse reaction or patient deceased.
All communications regarding Controlled Drugs should be emailed to:
England.ahwatcontrolleddrugs@nhs.net
Controlled Drug Guidance for Community Pharmacies
Keep for reference with your CD SOP or in the Locum Information folder
Issue 1 Publish date: 05 Nov 2013 - Not to be re-used without permission of NHS Arden CSU
What are the regulations on storage of Controlled Drugs?
Safe Custody regulations
It is a requirement of Regulation 3 of the Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations 1973 that retail pharmacies
keep those CDs that require safe custody in a locked safe, cabinet or room, which is so Constructed and
maintained as to prevent unauthorised access to the drugs. The CD cabinet or Safe must be rigidly and securely
fixed to a solid wall or floor by means of at least two rag-bolts each passing through a suitable internal anchor
plate of mild steel. The door must be fitted with an effective lock with at least 5 different levers or equivalent.
CD cabinets should be used solely for the storage of CDs to prevent unnecessary
access to the cabinet. CD cabinets should be kept in an orderly fashion and should
contain all CD stock, including dispensed CD’s awaiting collection or supply,
monitored dosage systems, patient returns and expired stock.
To minimise the risk of error, patient returns and expired stock should be
clearly marked and stored away from the regular stock.
Cabinet keys should be kept on the pharmacists person at all times to prevent
unauthorised access. Other staff must express permission from the pharmacist on each occasion for entry to the
CD cabinet. Security arrangements should be in place to ensure that no one has access to CD key before it is
given to the pharmacist the next working day. Consider a system of a signed & sealed envelope in a locked safe.
Schedule 1 CDs have no recognised medicinal use. Examples include cannabis and cannabis resin, coca leaf,
lysergamide, lysergide (LSD) and mescaline. A Home Office licence is needed to possess them.
Schedule 2 CDs are subject, under the Misuse of Drugs [Safe Custody] Regulations 1973, to safe custody
requirements, except secobarbital.
Schedule 3 CDs are exempt from safe custody requirements and can be stored on the open dispensary shelf
(except temazepam, buprenorphine, flunitrazepam and diethylproprion). This schedule is split into two parts, Part
1 (CD Benzodiazepines) and Part 2 (CD Anabolic Steroids).
Schedule 4 CDs are subject to lesser control. CD prescription requirements do not apply and there is no
requirement for storage in a locked receptacle. Invoices must be retained for two years.
Schedule 5 CDs are subject to minimal control
What about Private prescriptions or requisitions for CDs?
Private prescriptions for CDs
Private prescriptions for schedules 2 and 3 CDs for dispensing in a community pharmacy must be written on an
FP10PCD prescription form (introduced 2006).
The private prescription form should contain the private practitioner’s personal identity number; issued by NHS
BSA Prescription Services
- New private CD prescribers must complete an application form available from Jo Hall the Performers and
Pharmaceutical Lists Manager at the Area Team – request via England.ahwatcontrolleddrugs@nhs.net
- The list of private submission ODS or F codes for community pharmacies is held by the Primary Care
Services Team – Isaac Maddox House, Shrub Hill Road, Worcester WR4 9RW Tel: 01905 760010
Requisitions for CDs
The use of the standardised FP10CDF requisition form is encouraged in order to ensure consistency in
information received by NHSBSA Prescription Services.
Regulation 23 (4) of the Misuse of Drugs regulations states that all requisition forms must include the following:
The name, address and profession/occupation of the recipient
The purpose for which the drug is required e.g. For practice use
The total quantity of drug to be supplied
The signature of the recipient
The private practitioner code (best practice) – if not, GP prescribers may use NHS prescribing codes.
All communications regarding Controlled Drugs should be emailed to:
England.ahwatcontrolleddrugs@nhs.net
Controlled Drug Guidance for Community Pharmacies
Keep for reference with your CD SOP or in the Locum Information folder
Issue 1 Publish date: 05 Nov 2013 - Not to be re-used without permission of NHS Arden CSU
The regulations allow requisitions for Schedule 2 and 3 CDs to be handwritten or computer generated. They do
not need to be written in the recipient’s own handwriting, and may be written by a receptionist or secretary, etc.
However, the recipient (the person ordering the CDs) must sign the requisition. Where appropriate it will include
the practitioner’s prescriber or dispenser identifier code or the unique prescriber identification number for private
prescribers. The name and address of the supplier must be recorded indelibly. Pharmacists are required to
submit the original requisitions (not a copy) to the NHSBSA Prescription Services using their private submission F
code.
Accountable Officers are able to access the new reporting system available through the NHSBSA Prescription
Services website to allow them to monitor CDs supplied via this route.
Where CDs are transferred between pharmacies, the pharmacist receiving the supply should provide a
requisition (FP10CDF) and the supplier should submit the original to the PPD. Both pharmacists must
ensure that the correct entries are made in their respective CDRs within 24 hours. Although not a legal
requirement, it is good practice, where one pharmacy orders a CD from another pharmacy, for written requisitions
to be used. The pharmacy supplying the CD and submitting the requisition to the NHSBSA Prescription Services
(and its equivalent), will use their submission code. This will be their private submission F code (Organisation
Data Service [ODS] code). Dispensing doctors may not supply CDs against requisitions unless they have a
MHRA wholesaler licence. If a messenger is sent to collect the CD, Reg 14(1) requires a person collecting on
behalf of the recipient to produce to the supplier a statement in writing signed by the recipient to the effect that he
is empowered by the recipient to receive the drug on their behalf. The supplier needs to be reasonably satisfied
that the document is genuine.
What happens to Private CD prescriptions and requisitions?
Community pharmacies must submit the original FP10PCD, FP10CDF (or any non standard requisition forms) for
schedules 1-3 CDs to NHSBSA Prescription Services for data collation, monthly in accordance with The National
Health Service (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2005 and set out in the Drug Tariff.
Copies of all prescriptions and requisitions for Schedule 2 and 3 CDs must be retained for a minimum of 2 years.
The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 have been amended to also allow the information contained in orders,
requisitions and private prescriptions to be preserved as a copy on computer. Safeguards must be in place in any
computer system to ensure the following:
Data cannot be altered at a later date
- All entries are attributable to an individual making the entry
- That all data can be recallable for audit purposes
- That adequate backups are made
- That systems are in place to minimise the risk of unauthorised access to the data
Where do I get these FP10CDF requisition forms from?
A stationery request form can be obtained from:
Coventry and Warwickshire:
Parkside House
Quinton Road
Coventry
CV1 2NJ
Herefordshire and Worcestershire:
Isaac Maddox House
Shrub Hill Road
Worcester
WR4 9RW
Please fax order requests to: 02476 844092
01905 26159
What records are needed for Home Delivery Services?
It is recommended that when delivering controlled drugs, as with any other delivery scheme, a robust audit trail
should be in place, so that when the driver hands over the medicine to the patient / patient’s representative or
carer, this is documented. Wherever possible, a signature must be obtained indicating safe delivery of medicines.
All communications regarding Controlled Drugs should be emailed to:
England.ahwatcontrolleddrugs@nhs.net
Controlled Drug Guidance for Community Pharmacies
Keep for reference with your CD SOP or in the Locum Information folder
Issue 1 Publish date: 05 Nov 2013 - Not to be re-used without permission of NHS Arden CSU
What guidance is available on quantity of CD to be supplied?
The quantity of drug prescribed on each prescription should be appropriate for the clinical need of the patient.
Careful consideration should be given to the quantities prescribed, both to anticipate requirements, e.g. over a
weekend, and to reduce the amount of excess CDs stored in the patient’s home.
Although not a legal requirement, there is a strong recommendation that prescriptions for Schedule 2, 3 and 4
CDs are limited to a quantity necessary for up to 30 days clinical need. This is a good practice requirement and
not a legal requirement because there may be circumstances where there is a genuine need to prescribe more
than 30 days’ supply.
Dispensing more than 30 days’ supply
It is not illegal for a pharmacist to dispense a prescription for more than 30 days’ supply, but they must satisfy
themselves that it is clinically appropriate to do so.
A pharmacist does not need to contact the prescriber each time they receive a prescription requesting a supply in
excess of 30 days of a Schedule 2–4 CD. There may be circumstances where there is a genuine need to
prescribe more than 30 days’ supply and pharmacists should exercise their professional judgement and assess
both the prescription and the person for whom the medicine has been prescribed as well as the specific situation
to check the suitability for the patient.
If concerned that the length of the prescription is not appropriate the prescriber should be contacted
If the pharmacist still has concerns about excessive or frequent CD prescribing the Accountable Officer
should
be
informed
,
through
the
dedicated
Area
Team
email
inbox:
England.ahwatcontrolleddrugs@nhs.net
The CD monitoring procedures may highlight large amounts prescribed and request justification.
In exceptional circumstances, a prescriber may feel that more than 30 days medication is clinically
indicated and would not pose an unacceptable threat to patient safety. The prescriber should record the
reasons for this in the patient’s notes and be ready to justify his/her decision if required.
What are the time restrictions on dispensing CD prescriptions or owings?
Dispensed items, or owings, for Schedule 2, 3 or 4 CDs cannot be supplied more than 28 days after the
appropriate date on the prescription.
Where the prescriber has written on the prescription that it must be supplied on a specific date, as in the case for
instalment prescriptions, those instructions must be complied with. Where a prescription requires a specific
quantity of CDs to be dispensed on a specific date, the dispenser may not dispense a part of this quantity and
then the rest at a later date, as this would deviate from the prescriber’s instructions. The stock initially held in the
dispensary, plus the balance remaining, can be dispensed to the patient, as long as it is done during the same
calendar day.
Why do I need to maintain a running CD stock balance?
The aim of maintaining running balances in Controlled Drug Registers (CDR) is to ensure irregularities are
identified as quickly as possible.
Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who supply CDs should maintain a running balance of stock in
their CDRs as a matter of good practice.
The running balance of drugs remaining should be calculated and recorded after each transaction and balances
should be checked with the physical amount of stock at regular intervals.
Accountability for maintaining the running balance of CD stock and dealing with any discrepancies lies with the
healthcare professional in charge and not with the person to whom they may delegate day-to-day responsibility
under defined SOPs.
Physical reconciliation with stock levels
The running balance recorded in the CDR should be checked with the physical amounts of stock at regular
intervals. The decision on how often to carry out stock checks should be in line with any guidance from
professional representative bodies and undertaken after a risk assessment has been carried out. Frequency of
reconciliation may alter according to local circumstances but should form part of SOPs. In most cases we
recommend weekly CD balance checks.
All communications regarding Controlled Drugs should be emailed to:
England.ahwatcontrolleddrugs@nhs.net
Controlled Drug Guidance for Community Pharmacies
Keep for reference with your CD SOP or in the Locum Information folder
Issue 1 Publish date: 05 Nov 2013 - Not to be re-used without permission of NHS Arden CSU
What if I find a discrepancy in the Controlled drugs register?
SOPs should clearly define the action to be taken if a discrepancy arises in relation to CD balances.
Once resolved, a note should be made in the Controlled Drug Register correcting the discrepancy in the balance.
It is also advisable to keep appropriate records of the action taken when discrepancies arise.
If the source of the discrepancy cannot be identified during the stock check, then a nominated member of the
relevant organisation should be informed and a formal internal investigation undertaken. This process may
include discussion with the relevant professional body, or other inspectors. The Accountable Officer should be
informed of any concerns in relation to the management and use of CDs, through the dedicated Area Team email
inbox: - England.ahwatcontrolleddrugs@nhs.net
What special arrangements are there for Palliative Care CDs?
Some pharmacies in Coventry and Warwickshire have agreed to keep a specific list of palliative care medication
in stock at all times (For details of participating pharmacies please see link below). For urgent supplies please
consider signposting the patient / carer to these pharmacies. The service is available from these pharmacies
during their contracted opening hours.
http://www.c-a-s-t-l-e.org.uk/local-contacts/out-of-hours/warwickshire-out-of-hours-services.aspx
How can I further refresh my knowledge around CDs and make a CPD entry?
Log onto www.cppe.ac.uk
Controlled drugs in clinical practice
Understand the legislation underpinning controlled drugs
State changes in the legislative framework for CDs arising from the 4th Shipman Inquiry
Review the role and responsibilities of the Inspectorate regarding controlled drugs
Describe best practice with respect to writing of prescriptions, keeping of records and
maintaining prescription security for controlled drugs in all areas of practice
Define procedures for the disposal of returned controlled drugs.
All communications regarding Controlled Drugs should be emailed to:
England.ahwatcontrolleddrugs@nhs.net