Receiving and Disposing of Unwanted Controlled Drugs Returned by Patients

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

Receiving and disposing of unwanted controlled drugs returned by patients

DISPENSARY
PURPOSE
·  This SOP explains the action to take when receiving and disposing of unwanted controlled drugs from patients. / SCOPE
·  This SOP specifically deals with unwanted returns from patients of controlled drugs.
PROCEDURE / RESPONSIBILITY
1.  When accepting patient returned schedule 2 and 3 drugs hand immediately to the dispenser in charge.
2.  If possible as the patient/carer/representative the name and address of the patient. (For entry in the returns register).
3.  If the controlled drugs cannot be disposed of immediately, they should be clearly marked “Patient returned CDs awaiting destruction”.
4.  These should be stored in the CD cabinet.
5.  When destroying patient received CDs enter the details into the CD returns register (available from NPA) as appropriate.
6.  Obtain protective clothing and denaturing kit.
7.  Remove all patient identifiable information and destroy by shredding.
8.  Dispose of the CDs following the instructions on the denaturing kit carefully.
9.  Obtain a second signature by a witness if possible to verify drug and quantity destroyed.
10.  Once drugs are denatured, place in appropriate dispensary disposable container.
11.  Dispose of protective clothing.
12.  Re-order denaturing kit if necessary.
REVIEW / PROCEDURE:
This will be reviewed when there are any major changes in the law affecting the dispensing process or in the event of staff changes. It will also be reviewed in the event of delivery incidents. In the absence of any of these events, it will be reviewed on or before the date shown below.
PREPARED BY:
SIGNATURE:
DATE OF PREPARATION:
DATE EFFECTIVE FROM:
VERSION NUMBER:
DATE OF REVIEW:

© Practice Services UK Limited.
For use within your practice only. You are not permitted to supply this to any other organisation.

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