The administration of Controlled Drugs (CDs) in the UK is strictly regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 and other healthcare legislation. Only specific healthcare professionals and authorized individuals can administer CDs, and they must follow legal and professional standards.
1. Who Can Legally Administer Controlled Drugs?
| Category | Legal Authority | Examples | Relevant Legislation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctors & Dentists | Can administer CDs to their patients as part of treatment. | GPs, hospital doctors, consultants, dentists. | Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Reg. 7 |
| Pharmacists | Can administer CDs under a Patient Group Direction (PGD) or as part of clinical services. | Community and hospital pharmacists. | Human Medicines Regulations 2012, Reg. 223 |
| Nurses & Midwives | Can administer CDs when prescribed or under a PGD. | Registered nurses, midwives, nurse independent prescribers. | Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Reg. 8 |
| Paramedics & Emergency Services | Can administer CDs under PGDs or exemptions for emergency care. | Paramedics, air ambulance crews. | Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Reg. 9 |
| Care Home Staff | Can administer CDs if trained and authorized by their employer. | Registered nurses in care homes. | Care Standards Act 2000 |
| Veterinary Surgeons | Can administer CDs to animals in the course of veterinary treatment. | Vets and vet nurses under supervision. | Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 |
2. Administration of CDs by Pharmacists
Pharmacists can administer certain CDs if:
- They are acting under a Patient Group Direction (PGD).
- They are authorized as part of clinical services (e.g., palliative care).
- They personally supply and administer CDs under professional exemptions.
Key Considerations:
- Schedule 2 CDs require strict documentation.
- Patient consent must be obtained and documented.
- Records must be maintained for legal and professional compliance.
3. Administration by Nurses and Midwives
Nurses and midwives can administer CDs when:
- The medication has been prescribed for a specific patient.
- A PGD allows administration within their scope of practice.
- They are a nurse independent prescriber and can legally prescribe and administer certain CDs.
Record-Keeping Requirements:
- Date and time of administration.
- Patient details and dosage given.
- Name and professional registration number of the administrator.
- Signature of the administering nurse/midwife.
For the full legal text, refer to Regulation 8 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.
5. Administration in Care Homes & Hospices
In care settings, CDs can be administered by:
- Registered nurses, following a prescriber’s instructions.
- Trained care staff, where local policies allow it.
- Hospice pharmacists or palliative care teams.
Regulations require:
- Strict record-keeping in the CD register.
- Separate storage of CDs in a compliant cabinet.
- Regular audits and stock reconciliation.
6. Documentation & Record-Keeping
The administration of Schedule 2 CDs must always be recorded in:
- The patient’s clinical records.
- The pharmacy or care home’s CD register.
- Incident reports where administration was outside standard procedure.
Failure to properly document CD administration can result in regulatory and legal action.
7. Consequences of Unlawful Administration
Unlawful administration of CDs is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971:
- Unauthorized administration of Class A drugs (e.g., heroin, fentanyl) – Maximum life imprisonment.
- Administration of Class B drugs (e.g., cannabis-based medicines) without authorization – Maximum 14 years imprisonment.
- Failure to keep proper administration records – Subject to regulatory action by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), or relevant governing body.
This guidance ensures compliance with UK law regarding the administration of Controlled Drugs. For further details, refer to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 and professional regulatory guidance.