Controlled Drugs Possession and Supply Quiz

Controlled Drugs Possession and Supply

• Unlawful Possession: Possession of controlled drugs (CDs) is illegal unless permitted by regulations or a Home Office license.
• Exceptions: Schedule 4 Part 2 and Schedule 5 drugs are not controlled. Patients can possess CDs prescribed by a doctor, supplementary prescriber, nurse IP, pharmacist IP, physiotherapist IP, chiropodist/podiatrist IP, or dentist.
• Healthcare Professional Supplies: Healthcare professions have specific permitted supplies of drugs/schedules based on their role according to the Regulations, only while acting in that capacity.
• Pharmacist Powers: Pharmacists can possess, manufacture, compound, and supply Schedule 2, 3, 4, and 5 drugs, only while acting in a professional capacity.
• Supply Chain: Authorized suppliers can only supply those authorized to possess. A legal possessor can supply to the original purchaser. A legal possessor of Schedule 2, 3, 4, or 5 CDs can supply to a doctor, dentist, or pharmacist for destruction.

Prescribing Controlled Drugs

• Doctors and Dentists: May prescribe any Schedule 2-5 CDs (Drs may also prescribe cocaine, dipipanone, or diamorphine for addiction treatment with a Home Office license).
• Nurse and Pharmacist Independent Prescribers: Can prescribe any Schedule 2-5 CDs, except cocaine, dipipanone, or diamorphine for addiction treatment.
• Supplementary Prescribers: May administer/supply Schedules 2-5 CDs under a Clinical Management Plan (CMP).

Secretary of State Prohibitions

• Home Secretary Power: The Home Secretary can prohibit an individual practitioner from possessing, prescribing, administering, manufacturing, compounding, supplying, authorising administration or supply of CDs.
• Confirmation: The Home Office provides details of these prohibitions.

Prescription Requirements (Schedule 2 & 3 CDs)

• Indelible Writing: Prescriptions must be written indelibly.
• Signature: Signed by the person issuing it, either with a usual signature or advanced electronic signature.
• Prescriber's Address: Required, except in health prescriptions.
• Dental Specifics: For dental treatment, it must state 'For dental treatment only'.
• Patient Information: Requires patient's name and address.
• Dosage: Specifies the dosage to be taken.
• Medicinal Form: Specifies the form of the CD (if a preparation).
• Strength: Specifies the strength (if multiple available).
• Quantity: Specifies the total quantity in words and figures.
• Date: Includes a date.
• Medicine Name: The medicine name is not legally required.
• POM Compliance: CD prescriptions must also comply with POM prescription laws.

Validity of Schedule 2, 3, and 4 CD Prescriptions

• Validity Period: Prescriptions are valid for 28 days from the date specified on the prescription.
• Expiry Example: If a prescription is dated November 1st, the validity period ends on November 29th.

Test your knowledge on the regulations regarding the possession and supply of controlled drugs. This quiz covers important exceptions, healthcare professional roles, and specific powers of pharmacists. Ensure you understand the legal framework governing controlled drugs in healthcare settings.