Summary
A controlled drug is a prescription medicine. These are subject to strict legal controls.
These controls are to prevent it from:
- being misused
- being obtained illegally
- causing harm
The law determines how these medicines are:
- produced
- stored
- prescribed
- destroyed
Legislation for managing all medicines, including controlled drugs, lies with the UK Parliament. The legislation applies to all parts of the UK.
We have an explicit governance role in the safe management of controlled drugs.
Controlled Drug Account Officer register
See our full CDAO register
Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer application and amendments
Contact us if you need to apply for or change your CDAO arrangements
Applying for a Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer exemption
See our criteria for applying for an exemption
Our role and remit
An overview of our work to support safe management of controlled drugs