Summary
A controlled drug is a prescription medicine that is subject to strict legal controls.
These controls are to prevent it from
- being misused
- being obtained illegally
- causing harm.
The law determines, for example, how these medicines are produced, stored, prescribed and destroyed.
Legislation for managing all medicines, including controlled drugs, lies with the UK Parliament and applies to all parts of the UK.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland has a explicit governance role in the safe management of controlled drugs.
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More information
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