IMPORTANT CHANGES TO CONTROLLED DRUGS LEGISLATION



We would like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to new misuse of drugs legislation and provide clarification on the approach to protocols covering Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 drugs, which will come into force on 30th November 2015.

1. Mandatory Requisition Form


The Home Office, in conjunction with the Department of Health, has issued a mandatory requisition form, this being the final remaining recommendation of the Shipman Inquiry. It is aimed at ensuring the purchase of all stocks of Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 controlled drugs by healthcare and veterinary professionals within the community are capable of being monitored.

With effect from November 30th 2015 a mandatory controlled drugs requisitions form must be used. Existing Covetrus requisitions will no longer be accepted, nor will requisitions on practice letter headed paper.

THIS FORM MUST BE USED FOR ALL SCHEDULE 2 AND 3 REQUISITIONS AND ONLY SIGNED HARD COPIES CAN BE ACCEPTED.

NB: In the case of an emergency, a faxed copy can be submitted. However, a hard copy must be provided within 24 hours in accordance with the misuse of drugs legislation. Emergency requisitions will be recorded and monitored to ensure compliance

Mandatory Form

The mandatory controlled drug requisition form can be downloaded from the original NHS Prescription Services website, or click here to download a prepopulated form from Covetrus.

What you need to do

  • Section A
    • - Please complete this section with our details (we have pre-populated this for you).

    UK AH Animal Health (PVT) Ltd.
    College Mains Road
    Dumfries
    DG2 0NU
    Enquiries – 01387 274700

    MHRA/VMD Wholesale Dealers Licence WDA (H&V) – 538270

  • Section B
    • - please insert the products required in the table.
    Please insert under Other – “For use on animals under my care.”

  • Section C
    • - please complete this section showing your MRCVS number in the top box called “Individual Prescriber Code” and insert your Covetrus account code in the line below. Then in the spaces provided please insert your full practice details.

    NB - there may not be enough room for longer Covetrus account numbers. In this case, put in as much of your account code as possible, then write the remaining characters in ink.

    Once completed, the original hard copy must be printed, signed and sent to Covetrus – either via your driver or via post to the Covetrus address as above.

    2. Ketamine Reclassification


    With effect from November 30th 2015, Ketamine was reclassified from Schedule 4 to Schedule 2.

    The Home Office has issued:

    2015 No.891 Dangerous Drugs, England and Wales, Dangerous Drugs Scotland.
    The Misuse of Drugs (amendment) (No2) (England, Wales and Scotland) Regulations.

    This document covers the changes in the law for this drug group.

    To facilitate this required change, Covetrus has changed product codes, and orders for Ketamine must now be made following the requisition process as outlined above.

    Product code changes can be found here.

    3. Summary - How the legislation affects you

  • Mandatory form must be used for Schedule 2 & 3 Controlled Drugs requisitions from 30th November 2015

  • Ketamine has been reclassified to Schedule 2 from Schedule 4 effective from 30th November 2015.

  • From 30th November 2015 Ketamine must be stored in your controlled drugs cabinet and its use recorded in your register.

    Useful Links


  • Instructions on how to fill out the Mandatory Requisition Form - what you need to do

  • Mandatory Requisition Form pre-populated for Covetrus customers

  • Covetrus Ketamine code changes and Controlled Drugs list

  • NHS Prescription Services

  • More information on new legislation

    For assistance with the changes to your Controlled Drugs Schedule 2 & 3 ordering please call 01387 274700