Controlled Drugs - Safe Custody

Question 1

What does MofD Regulations 1973 state regarding safe custody of CDs? (2)

Answer 1

Must keep CDs that legally require safe custody in a ‘locked safe, cabinet or room which is constructed as to prevent unauthorised access to the drugs.’

Applicable to all CD Schedule 1-2 (except quinalbarbital) and some Schedule 3 CDs.

Question 2

What are the main features of CD safe custody? (4)

Answer 2

Must be under the direct supervision of the pharmacist.

Access to CD drugs must be documented within a policy including an audit trail of access to the keys or electronic log = preventing unauthorised access to CDs.

Access to CDs only restricted to those authorised to access the CD cabinet.

Applies to patient returned CDs, out of date CDs and obsolete CDs until destroyed (only CDs that are legally needed to be kept in the CD cabinet.)

Question 3

What should be recorded in the CD key log? (7)

Answer 3

Date
Name of Holder
Signature
Job Title
Time keys received
Time keys handed over
Name of person keys handed over to.