Accountable Officer
Under The Controlled Drugs (Supervision of Management and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009 HSC organisations, the armed forces and Relevant Independent Hospitals must appoint an Accountable Officer to be responsible for the management of controlled drugs and related governance issues in their organisation.
Amendments to the Regulations came into operation on 16 July 2015.
The day-to-day discharge of these responsibilities may be undertaken by deputies, who will be responsible for providing appropriate assurances to the Accountable Officer.
In addition to the Regulations further information can be found in the Safer Management of Controlled Drugs – A Guide to Strengthened Governance Arrangements in Northern Ireland.
Legislation
The Health Act 2006 contains three provisions in relation to the fourth report of the Shipman Inquiry to improve and strengthen the management and use of controlled drugs:
- the appointment of an Accountable Officer by Designated Bodies
- a duty to collaborate and share intelligence on controlled drugs by Responsible Bodies
- a power of entry and inspection by certain authorised persons
List of drugs currently controlled under The Misuse of Drugs legislation
Guidance, nomination form and Accountable Officer contact details
This section contains a number of documents which have been written to provide guidance on the safe management and use of controlled drugs.