Controlled Drugs Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

On 1st January 2008, midazolam was re-classified as a Schedule 3 controlled drug, (from its current status as a Schedule 4 Part I controlled drug). This re-classification means Midazolam will be exempt from the requirements relating to safe custody and will not legally require storage in a controlled drug cabinet meeting the requirements of legislation.

An individual register is only needed if the GP keeps a stock in their bag.
Stocking of a bag for home visits from practice stock should be witnessed by another member of the practice staff, as should the appropriate entries into the practice's CD register. If stock is unused and returned to the cupboard a record should be made in the register on return. If the stock is used on a home visit an entry should be made in register of patient details.

SOPs for the reconciliation of physical stock with balances should define how often this takes place; as a minimum it should take place weekly (the decision on how often to carry out stock checks should be undertaken after a risk assessment has been carried out - depending on how much/often stock is used). The decision should also be in line with any guidance from the professional representative bodies.

The accountability for maintaining the correct balance of CD stock lies with the professional in charge and not with the person to whom they may delegate their day-to-day duties.

Once CDs are issued/dispensed to a patient, the requirements for witness destruction do not apply, however it is strongly recommended good practice that the destruction of these returns is witnessed (preferably by a registered healthcare professional) and records made of the destruction (not necessarily in a register). So this could be done by 2 GPs/GP and nurse in practice quickly without having to arrange appointments etc.

A prescription needs to be signed by an appropriate practitioner but there is no legal requirement for the name printed beneath that signature to be that of the prescriber. .

Temazepam is a schedule 3 controlled drug, and diazepam and clonazepam are both schedule 4. As such they fall under the restrictions for prescribing controlled drugs.

Prescriptions cannot be dispensed when more than 28 days has elapsed since the date on the prescription. This date will either be the date the prescription was signed or the date the prescriber indicated as being the start date.

The Fourth Report of the Shipman inquiry resulted in the Government issuing a command paper 'Safer management of controlled drugs: The Governments' response to the Fourth Report of the Shipman Inquiry'. Recommendations made to improve the management of controlled drugs resulted in final guidance on changes to The Misuse of Drugs Regulations which came into effect from July 2006. These changes included the introduction of special forms to be used for all private CD prescriptions (FP10PCD) for schedule 2 & 3 controlled drugs dispensed by a community pharmacist. Private prescribers can request the new private prescription forms from Brincliffe House (Tel: 0114 305 1853).

Practices wishing to obtain CD registers can consider contacting:

Surelines Pharmaceutical Services Ltd
7 & 8 Prospect Court
Blisworth
Northampton
NN7 3DG
Tel: 01604 859000
Email: enquiries@surelines.com
www.surelines.com

N.B. This Company has not been endorsed by the PCT in anyway

Following regulatory changes that apply to requisitions used for supply of schedule 1, 2, and 3 CDs that came into effect on 1st January 2008, a standard requisition form FP10 CDF1 was developed. Supplies of the requisition form (FP10CDF) are available from Brincliffe House (Tel: 0114 305 1853).