From 23 April 2012 pharmacist independent prescribers can prescribe, administer and direct others to administer, any controlled drug in Schedule 2, 3, 4 and 5 for any medical condition, except cocaine, dipipanone and diamorphine for the treatment of addiction. They can prescribe, administer and direct others to administer cocaine, dipipanone and diamorphine for treating organic disease or injury - www.legislation.gov.uk

You can check whether a pharmacist is an independent prescriber on our online register on our website 

As with any new area of practice, if you are a pharmacist independent prescriber considering prescribing or administering controlled drugs you must make sure that your knowledge is up to date and you are competent in this area. You must also make sure that all your work is covered by appropriate professional indemnity insurance - www.pharmacyregulation.org/standards/conduct-ethics-and-performance

This amendment to legislation made other changes to nurse independent prescribing, supply of controlled drugs under a Patient Group Direction (PGD), and compounding of controlled drugs. For further guidance on these changes you should seek advice from your professional body or other pharmacy organisation.