The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 276 No 7401 p582
20 May 2006

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News summary

New CD arrangements in Scotland

New arrangements for prescribing and dispensing Controlled Drugs will start in Scotland on 5 June. The changes mirror those announced for England earlier this year (PJ, 18 March, p307) and are in response to the recommendations of the Shipman Inquiry.

The new arrangements in Scotland were set out in an NHS circular published this week. The main points are:

· Private and NHS prescriptions for Schedule 2, 3 and 4 CDs will only be valid for 28 days from the date the prescription is signed or from a start date specified by the prescriber

· Prescriptions for Schedule 2, 3 and 4 CDs should be restricted to a maximum of 30 days’ supply

· A new standard form for private prescriptions for Schedule 2 and 3 CDs will be introduced called a PPCD(1) form. Pharmacists should submit these forms monthly to NHS National Services Scotland

· The back of NHS prescriptions will be amended to include a new box: people collecting Schedule 2 CDs should be asked to sign in this box and to provide evidence of identity. PPCD(1) forms will contain a similar box. Discretion is allowed but if evidence is not provided this should be recorded in the CD register

· Prescriptions for Schedule 2 and 3 CDs should include “CD” in the text: a prescription without this can be accepted so long as the pharmacist is satisfied it is legitimate

Although the arrangements come into effect on 5 June, changes to supporting legislation (the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001) are not expected until later in June.