Law and Ethics

Question 1

How long are CD 2, 3, and 4 prescriptions valid for?

Answer 1

28 days

Schedule 5 is 6 months

Question 2

Can EEA or SWISS prescribed legally prescribe CD 2 or 3?

Answer 2

No, only 4 and 5.

For schedule 2 and 3 the doctors address must be within the UK

Question 3

Which CD schedules can be repeatable and given in emergency supply?

Answer 3

Only 3, 4 and 5.
The only exception for emergency supply is phenobarbital (CD3) which can be given in emergency for epilepsy! (For up to 5 days max I think)

Question 4

Are these doses acceptable?
As directed
When required
PRN
As per chart
Weekly
Decrease by 2.5ml every four days
Twice a day

Answer 4

No they are not.

One as directed is acceptable as is two when required, one PRN, three ampoules to be given as directed

Question 5

Do installment CD scripts need both a dose and installment amount specified separately?

Answer 5

Yes

Question 6

Q. If a patient collects his daily installment of methadone Monday to friday at a pharmacy and he misses his thursday dose, can he be given the other days doses?

Answer 6

Usually if a patient has missed THREE days then the prescriber must be contacted due to loss of tolerance. However the number of days has to be specified by the prescriber

Question 7

When can a pharmacist legally alter a CD prescription?

Answer 7

If the script has:

1. A minor typographical error or spelling mistake
2. Is missing EITHER the words or figures for the total quantity. (Both cannot be added)

Question 8

Which one of these prescriptions needs to be written on a standardized form for a CD 2 or 3?
Private Rx or Veterinary Rx

Answer 8

Private Rx, on a FP10 PCD form. The only exception is if the private Rx is issues and dispensed within the same legal entity. E.g. if its prescribed by a doctor in a hospital and dispensed in the same hospital then a standardized form is not required

Question 9

If a person wants to collect a CD script on behalf of a drug misuser, what steps should be taken?

Answer 9

1. A letter of authorisation from the drug misuser which names the representative. The representative must bring a form of ID. A new letter is needed for each time they collect on behalf of the user.
2. Insist on seeing the patient in person once a week
3. If the medication is supposed to be taken under supervision it is wise to contact the prescriber and obtain verbal consent to allowing the medication to be taken unsupervised.
4. Record all details and keep hold of the letters of authorisation.