CQC publishes latest annual report on the safer management of Controlled Drugs for 2022

The CQC are responsible for making sure that healthcare providers maintain a safe environment for the management and use of Controlled Drugs (CDs) in England, under the Controlled Drugs (Supervision of Management and Use) Regulations 2013. Each year they produce an annual report based on their findings from oversight activity throughout the year, such as local intelligence networks and the Controlled Drugs National Group, with recommendations to help ensure effective safe management of CDs in England. This report is therefore an important document for any organisation that manages CDs in England.

The main recommendations were:

• Make sure your governance processes are up-to-date and fit for purpose
• Make sure prescribing at transfer of care is completed safely
• Know the identity of your local Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer (CDAO) and police Controlled Drug Liaison Officer (CDLO)
• Work collaboratively to improve the prescribing, managing and monitoring of Controlled Drugs
• Make sure you have a valid Home Office Controlled Drugs licence if you are required to have one

The CQC also provide interesting statistics on national trends in the prescribing of Controlled Drugs, including for private Controlled Drug prescribing and in particular noted an increase in prescribing for ADHD Controlled Drugs.

Ordering and managing Controlled Drugs

It is vitally important that when ordering Controlled Drugs, all details legally required are included. Otherwise, the prescription cannot be processed or dispensed, and this could result in a delay in supplying the medication.

The original copy of the Controlled Drug prescription or stock order must be received by Ashtons to comply with the Misuse of Drugs Regulations.

Ashtons will require copies of prescriber’s signatures in order to validate CD prescriptions and these will be requested when required.

A supply of private prescription forms (FP10PCD) should be available where CDs are prescribed so that they can be obtained from a local community pharmacy if needed in an emergency.

Ashtons can provide a training seminar on Controlled Drugs which aims to provide knowledge of the legal and professional issues surrounding the management of CDs including their storage, ordering, administration and disposal. We can also provide a specific seminar for hospices, as well as a ‘Controlled Drugs for Hospices’ e-learning module. To book any of these courses, please speak to your Visiting Pharmacist. Or, if you are not an Ashtons client, please contact us here.

For more information, please see the CQC website.