PPA -> Safer Management of Controlled Drugs

Safer Management of Controlled Drugs

Background for the Safer Management of Controlled Drugs

Controlled Drug Prescribing

Requisitions for Schedule 1, 2 and 3 Controlled Drugs

CONTROLLED DRUG PRESCRIBING

What Do I Need To Do?

People who prescribe, dispense, monitor or receive controlled drugs are responsible for implementing the new arrangements.. Click on the following links to see what you need to do:

Prescriber
Community Pharmacy
Primary Care Trust
Patients
Useful links

Prescriber

Two routes of prescribing a controlled drug to a patient are an NHS prescription form or a private prescription form.

NHS prescription form
Private prescription form
I prescribe CDs on private prescriptions. How do I get my prescriber number and prescription forms?
I am a dentist who prescribes CDs on private prescriptions. How do I get my prescription forms?

NHS prescription form

It is strongly recommended that a prescriber writes a prescription which does not exceed a maximum quantity of 30 days supply for prescriptions for schedule 2, 3 and 4 controlled drugs.
Prescription printing software should be updated to show CD after the order for a controlled drug; e.g. Diamorphine 10mg tablets CD.
The prescriber should include the patient's NHS number on the prescription form.
The layout of the prescription form has changed to include space for the person collecting the CD to sign the back of the form. These forms will be gradually introduced as old stock is used up. Any person collecting schedule 2 & 3 CDs will be asked to sign the back of the prescription form.
In the longer term, changes will be made to allocate each prescriber a unique code to allow more accurate monitoring of controlled drug prescribing.

Private Prescription Form

A special form (FP10PCD) has been introduced for any private prescription of schedule 2 & 3 controlled drugs which will be dispensed in the community.For an example of the private prescription form (FP10PCD) for schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs click here.
It is strongly recommended that a prescriber writes a prescription which does not exceed a maximum quantity of 30 days supply for prescriptions for schedule 2, 3 and 4 controlled drugs.
Prescription printing software should be updated to show CD after the order for a controlled drug; e.g. Diamorphine 10mg tablets CD.
The prescriber should obtain the patient's NHS number if at all possible and enter this number on the prescription form.
The private prescription form includes space for the person collecting the CD to sign the back of the form. Any person collecting schedule 2 and 3 CDs will be asked to sign the back of the prescription form.
There are two kinds of forms available, personalised (FP10PCDNC) and non-personalised (FP10PCDSS). Personalised forms contain the prescriber's details already printed. Non-personalised forms are suitable for overprinting which will allow printing of prescriptions using the practice/clinic computer. For details of the prescription form overprint specification click here. This specification also shows the layout of the FP10PCDSS prescription form.
After dispensing, these forms will be sent to the NHSBSA Prescription Pricing Division for processing and inclued in the EPACT.net information service. The PCT responsible for monitoring each prescriber will then be able to access this service. To ensure that this is possible, the NHSBSA Prescription Pricing Division needs to maintain a database showing each prescriber along with an associated prescriber code.

I prescribe CDs on private prescriptions. How do I get my prescriber number and prescription forms?

If you are a private prescriber and have not been issued a private prescriber identification number you should contact your local PCT. The PCT will then inform the NHSBSA Prescription Pricing Division of the prescriber’s details using forms available here. For details of your local PCT click the following link: here.
The Prescription Pricing Division writes to each PCT to inform them of the prescriber number and the PCT informs the prescriber. Prescribers then need to contact their PCT to order their prescriptions.
Current NHS prescribers receive a separate private prescriber number in addition to their NHS prescriber number. It is important to use the correct number when prescribing NHS and private prescriptions to ensure that prescribing costs are attributed to the appropriate budget.

I am a dentist who prescribes CDs on private prescriptions. How do I get my prescription forms?

If you are a dentist who prescribes CDs on private prescription you should contact your local PCT to order your prescriptions. For details of your local PCT click here.
Each PCT is issued with a unique number for private dental prescriptions.
Current NHS prescribers will receive a private prescriber number which is unique to their PCT. This number cannot be used on NHS FP10D forms.
Dentists need to add their name, address and qualifications to the prescription form to comply with the Misuse of Drugs Regulations.

Community Pharmacy

Community pharmacies require a private controlled drug account number which should be used when submitting FP10PCD forms. This account number should also be used for submitting CD requisition forms and is a different account to the NHS account number used by contractors to submit NHS prescriptions.
For an example of the new private prescription form (FP10PCD) for schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs click here. Prescriptions which are not written on this form are not valid.
Following changes to the Medicines (Sale & Supply)(Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Regulations 2007 dispensing contractors should submit original private prescriptions for schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs to the Prescription Pricing Division.
Private prescriptions and CD requisitions which have been dispensed in one month should be submitted at the beginning of the following month. These should be sent to the NHSBSA Prescription Pricing Division by the 5th day of the month, using the submission document (FP34PCD) which is available here. This submission should be separate to any NHS prescription forms and sent to the following address:
The submission document explains how to sort the prescriptions and where to send them each month. For further sorting instructions, please click here.
Further information about the maximum duration and validity of a controlled drug prescription along with the requirements for patients to sign on collection can be found on the DH website here.
If you don't have a private controlled drug account number you should contact your local PCT. For details of your local PCT click here.

If you are a dispensing doctor and require advice on submitting private CD prescriptions please contact: helen.kendall@ppa.nhs.uk

Primary Care Trusts

PCTs are responsible for monitoring the prescribing of controlled drugs by their allocated prescribers.
The ePACT.net service is available for PCT users to monitor the private CD prescribing for their allocated prescribers.
Each PCT is responsible for ordering and distributing private prescription forms to their private prescribers. The existing arrangements with the NHSBSA Prescription Pricing Division and the NHS secure forms supplier should be used for ordering forms.
Click here for details of how to inform the NHSBSA Prescription Pricing Division of new or changes to existing prescribers or community pharmacies.

Patients

If you have been prescribed a schedule 2 or 3 controlled drug either on an NHS prescription form or a private prescription form you will be asked to provide your NHS number to your prescriber.
You, or your representative, will be asked to sign the prescription form on collection of your prescription from the pharmacy.
You, or your representative, will be required to provide proof of identification to the pharmacist if you have been prescribed a Schedule 2 controlled drug.

REQUISITIONS FOR SCHEDULE 1, 2 and 3 CONTROLLED DRUGS

This information is provided to inform and support relevant health and social care professionals, organisations and suppliers of Controlled Drugs (CDs) in implementing changes to the requirements in respect of requisitions used for the supply of schedule 1, 2 and 3 Controlled Drugs for use in the community. The regulatory changes come into force on 1st January 2008.

The changes apply to requisitions used for the supply of schedule 1, 2 and 3 CDs by authorised practitioners working in any health care setting in the community, for the purpose of treating patients. Authorised practitioners include pharmacists working in community pharmacies. The new requisition form should not be used when supplies are made from other settings, for example: NHS hospital trusts, care homes, pharmaceutical wholesalers and manufacturers. Dispensing Doctors should not supply controlled drugs ordered on a requisition as they are not permitted to carry out a wholesale function unless they have a wholesalers licence. Although not a legal requirement, it is good practice, where one pharmacy orders a CD from another pharmacy, for written requisitions to be used.

Click on the links below for further information

What is a CD requisition form?

How do I obtain a CD requisition form?

How do I write a CD requisition form (Customer)?

How do I complete the requisition form (Supplier)?

How do I submit a CD requisition form?

How is a CD requisition form processed?

What is a CD requisition form

A dedicated requisition form is being introduced for the supply of schedule 1, 2 and 3 CDs (otherwise than on prescription or by way of administration) for human use in the community. A standard form has been developed to make sure all of the legal requirements for ordering CDs are met. (A sample layout of the form is available in the guidance document issued by the Department of Health. Click Here) In exceptional circumstances, where for example an individual may have difficulty in obtaining the standard form, a CD can be supplied in response to an order written on a non standard form, providing all the legal requirements are met. Requisitions not received on a standard form cannot be processed and will be sent to the appropriate PCT where possible so that they can ensure there is a supply of the form available for future use.

How do I Obtain a CD requisition form?

The forms will be obtained from your local PCT (or its shared services agency) that has been identified as responsible for the practitioner signing the requisition. PCTs (or their agencies) will hold stocks of CD requisitions and issue an appropriate number to the practitioner. Forms are available on our website (click here) for PCTs to notify us of new practitioners who may need to order CDs and write requisitions, but not prescriptions, for example: new private practitioners. For details of your local PCT click here.

How do I write a CD requisition form (Customer)?

The regulations permit requisitions for CD’s to be computer generated or hand written. The person raising the requisition (customer) should complete parts B, C and D of the requisition form.

Part B
The customer should complete the name of the controlled drug to be requisitioned including the form, strength and quantity. The signature should be hand-written in ink.

Part C
The organisation code can be either the individual’s NHS or private prescription code for the prescriber or the account code of the pharmacy raising the requisition. Nurse prescribers and non- medical prescribers (e.g. Pharmacist prescribers) must also include the relevant practice code (which will be on their normal prescriptions) and the PCT code. They should also complete the form with their name, occupation/professional qualification (e.g. GP, Pharmacist) and the address of the premises that they are working out of.

Part D
In order to satisfy the legal requirements the customer should indicate in Part D the purpose for which the drugs are required by ticking the relevant box and if applicable providing further details.

How do I complete the requisition form (Supplier)?

Part A
The name and address of the supplier must be recorded indelibly. The use of a pharmacy stamp which includes the full address of the pharmacy from where the supply is made is acceptable so long as the information is clearly legible. This information must be added by the supplier of the CD at the time the supply is made.

The Account number should be the pharmacy supplying the controlled drugs private CD account number.

The supplier should ensure that the customer has completed their relevant sections with the correct data.

How do I submit a CD requisition form?

From 1st January 2008 the regulations will require suppliers to send the original requisition form for Schedule 1, 2 and 3 CDs supplied in the community in England to the NHSBSA PPD. Requisitions should be sorted separately to private controlled drug prescriptions but will be submitted to the NHSBSA PPD as part of a suppliers private CD pharmacy account. The current FP34PCD (private CD submission document) is being redesigned to accommodate the inclusion of information relating to CD requisitions. For further details about the submission process and how to complete the FP34PCD click here.

Suppliers who need to submit requisitions but who do not already have a private CD prescription F code must contact their local PCT (or its agency). A dedicated form for this purpose is available on our website (click here). This must be completed by an authorised signatory at the PCT (or its agency).

How is a CD requisition form processed?

From 1st January 2008, CD requisition forms completed by practitioners and submitted by suppliers to the NHSBSA PPD will be stored for a period of two years from the date of submission to allow for subsequent retrieval. PCT’s will have access to a new reporting system through the NHSBSA PPD’s NHS Net web site. The report is capable of monitoring and showing those who requisition and supply CDs. The requisition information will be available to PCT’s in March 2008.

Useful links

For full details of the Shipman Inquiry and the outcomes Click here

For details of the Department of Health controlled drugs project Click here

The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment No.2) Regulations 2006 – Explanatory Memorandum Click here.

The Medicines (Sale & Supply) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Regulations 2007 - Explanatory Memorandum Click here.

The Misuse of Drugs and Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody)(Amendment) Regulations 2007 - Explanatory Memorandum Click here

Private controlled drugs prescriptions and dental prescribing Click here.

The National Prescribing Centre has published useful information regarding the changes to controlled drugs prescriptions. Click here

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain has published information for pharmacists: Changes in the management of CDs affecting pharmacists – England, Scotland and Wales. Click here

Safer management of controlled drugs: changes to requirements for requisitions for the supply of schedule 1,2 and 3 controlled drug. Interim guidance (for England only). Click here.

Safer management of controlled drugs changes to record keeping requirements. Interim guidance. Click here.

For details of the existing ePACT.net services Click here

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