The supply of Controlled Drugs (CDs) in the UK is strictly regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. Only authorized individuals and entities can supply CDs, and they must adhere to legal requirements concerning prescriptions, record-keeping, and security.
1. Categories of Individuals and Entities That Can Supply CDs
| Category | Legal Authority | Examples | Relevant Legislation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacists | Can supply CDs under a valid prescription. | Community pharmacists, hospital pharmacists. | Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Reg. 10 |
| Doctors, Dentists, and Other Prescribers | Can directly supply certain CDs to patients. | General practitioners, dentists, specialist prescribers. | Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Reg. 14 |
| Wholesalers and Distributors | Require a Home Office license for wholesale supply. | Pharmaceutical wholesalers, medicine distributors. | Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Reg. 8 |
| Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions | Can supply CDs within their premises under governance arrangements. | NHS hospitals, private hospitals, hospices. | Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Reg. 9 |
| Care Homes and Prisons | May hold stock of CDs for administration to patients/residents. | Nursing homes, secure hospitals, prison pharmacies. | Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Reg. 10 |
| Paramedics and Emergency Services | Can carry and administer CDs under specific exemptions. | Ambulance services, air ambulance paramedics. | Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Reg. 8 |
| Veterinary Surgeons | Can prescribe and supply CDs for animal treatment. | Veterinary clinics, animal hospitals. | Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Reg. 14 |
2. Pharmacist Supply of Controlled Drugs
Pharmacists can legally supply CDs only under certain conditions, including:
- Against a legally valid prescription (Schedules 2, 3, 4 Part I CDs).
- Against a Patient Group Direction (PGD) for specific healthcare settings.
- Direct supply within hospitals and healthcare settings where the pharmacist is authorized.
Pharmacists must ensure:
- Prescriptions meet all legal requirements (drug name, dose, form, strength, quantity, prescriber details).
- Entries in the Controlled Drugs Register (for Schedule 2 CDs).
- CDs are stored in a secure and compliant CD cabinet where required.
3. Prescriber Supply of Controlled Drugs
Doctors, dentists, and specialist independent prescribers can personally supply CDs in certain cases:
- Direct supply to patients in clinical settings.
- Administration of CDs when treating patients.
- Emergency supply where lawful under their professional authority.
Prescribers must maintain accurate records and comply with the prescribing laws under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Reg. 14.
4. Wholesale and Distribution of Controlled Drugs
Entities that distribute CDs require:
- A Wholesale Dealer’s License issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
- A Controlled Drugs License from the Home Office.
- Strict record-keeping and security measures for handling and transport.
5. Supply to Healthcare Institutions and Secure Settings
Hospitals, prisons, and care homes can order, store, and administer CDs under regulated procedures. They must:
- Use CD requisition forms when obtaining stock.
- Maintain Controlled Drugs Registers for Schedule 2 drugs.
- Ensure appropriate security measures are in place.
6. Veterinary Supply of Controlled Drugs
Veterinary surgeons can prescribe and supply CDs for animal treatment only. Key requirements include:
- Writing legally valid veterinary prescriptions.
- Recording supply of Schedule 2 CDs in a CD register.
- Complying with Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) guidance.
7. Consequences of Unlawful Supply
Unlawful supply of CDs is a criminal offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971:
- Supply of Class A drugs (e.g., heroin, cocaine) – Maximum life imprisonment.
- Supply of Class B drugs (e.g., cannabis, codeine) – Maximum 14 years imprisonment.
- Supply of Class C drugs (e.g., benzodiazepines, anabolic steroids) – Maximum 14 years imprisonment.
This guidance outlines who can legally supply Controlled Drugs in the UK and the legal obligations associated with their supply. For further information, refer to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.