Controlled Drug Publications
This version of the Controlled Drugs (CD) guide is the full Second Edition and replaces the First Edition.The web-based only guide takes into account significant legislative changes, introduced by the Government to strengthen the governance arrangements for CDs since publication of the first edition. The guide aims to identify robust systems for obtaining, storing, supplying, recording, monitoring and disposing safely of CDs, whilst at the same time ensuring appropriate and convenient access for those patients that require them. The guide should be of value in a wide range of settings where CDs are used including:
- GP and dental practices
- Pharmacies
- Midwifery services
- Out-of-hours services
- Patients own home
- Care homes
- Community nursing services
- Community palliative care services
- Substance misuse services
- Hospices
- Prison services
The guide is primarily aimed at developing good practice for the management of CDs in primary care in England, but also encompasses issues raised at the interfaces between primary, secondary and social care. It will also be of use by, both NHS and non-NHS organisations.In addition, this full Second Edition highlights regulatory changes and other planned reforms that are in the pipeline, but not as yet in force. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided in this guide is accurate and up-to-date. However, the legal and regulatory framework governing CDs is continuing to change significantly and readers should always check that they are referring to the most up-to-date version of this guide, as well as cross-checking with other recognised sources of information. The NPC website www.npc.co.uk, the Department of Health (DH) website www.dh.gov.uk/controlleddrugs, the Home Office websites www.homeoffice.gov.uk and www.drugs.gov.uk/drugs-laws/ and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) website www.rpsgb.org.uk should be referred to regularly, amongst others.
 Please click here to view a pdf version of the guide. This web-based only guide is 100 pages long (447kb)
Unfortunately, the NPC is not in a position to be able to answer specific individual queries relating to the management of CDs. However, individual professional organisations provide a range of advisory services to their members (see Appendix 3 of the guide - Useful contacts).
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