Controlled Drug Prescriptions
Policy
Refer to RNZCGP: ePrescriptions in general practice policy brief for best practice information about ePrescriptions.
To ensure that we satisfy the legislative and safety demands of managing and prescribing controlled drugs we:
- write prescriptions consistent with the Medical Council of New Zealand statement on Good prescribing practice and the information required by the Ministry of Health
- generate ePrescriptions for controlled drugs via the New Zealand ePrescription Service (NZePS)
- ensure all controlled drug prescriptions generated via NZePS meet the
legal requirements of an ePrescription.
All controlled drug ePrescriptions are visible in the patient record in the PMS. Controlled drugs are included in our prescription audits.
See also Prescriptions and Controlled Drug Stock.
Writing a controlled drug prescription using NZePS
Enter the controlled drug prescription details into the Medications tab of the PMS. Send the prescription to the pharmacy via NZePS.
It is not necessary to write "Signature Exempt" on the prescription.
If you experience connection issues with NZePS it may be necessary to restart the PMS.
Controlled drug prescription pads
We maintain a small stock of controlled drug prescription pads for emergency use.
Our controlled drug prescription pads are recorded on a designated page of the controlled drug register and stored in the safe.
When a prescription is written using a controlled drug pad, record the patient's name, NHI number, prescriber’s name, and the date on the back of the pad against the individual serial number.
Add the prescription number to the patient record.
The patient must be given all three sheets of each prescription.
Storing controlled drug prescription pads
When new controlled drug prescription pads arrive at the practice:
- Secure the package immediately.
- Check items and quantities are correct.
- Record the 10 individual serial numbers on the back of the controlled drug prescription pad.
- Record on the prescription pad page of the controlled drug register:
- date of receipt
- first and last serial numbers from each pad.
- Store controlled drug pads in the safe.
- As each pad is completed, record the finish date in the controlled drug register next to the pad number.
Store completed controlled drug prescription pads for at least four years.
Controlled drug prescription pad audit
We keep a record of controlled drug prescription pads in a controlled drug register to monitor their usage and allow for traceability.
Every week, the nurse checks:
- controlled drug prescription pads are numbered and recorded on the designated page in the controlled drug register, and all are accounted for.
- used prescriptions are accurately recorded (patient's name and NHI, issue date, and prescriber's details) in the prescription pad register and in the patient's medication list in the PMS.
If any controlled drug prescription forms or pads are unaccounted for, inform the practice manager and complete an incident form.
Any missing controlled drug prescriptions will be investigated by the practice manager and police notified if necessary.
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