Published Date: Nov 2007
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Controlled Drugs - Disposing of pharmacy stocks.
It is a legal requirement that pharmacy stocks of Schedule 2 Controlled Drugs (CDs) be destroyed only in the presence of an ‘authorised witness’ and that the destruction
be recorded.
Authorised witnesses include Home Office inspectors, police controlled drugs liaison officers, and RPSGB inspectors. In England and Scotland the responsibility for appointing authorised persons lies with the Accountable Officers at the PCT/HB. In Wales, queries relating to authorised persons should be directed to the office of the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for Wales. In Northern Ireland, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS )inspectors are authorised witnesses.
