Procedure for Dispensing Private Prescriptions for Controlled Drugs

Published: 5th October 2026

Our colleagues at the GPhC Inspectorate have asked us to pass on a friendly reminder as to the procedures required for Community Pharmacies to appropriately deal with Private Prescriptions for Controlled Drugs. 

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Private Prescriptions for Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 Controlled Drugs (CDs) should be issued on designated PPCD(1) forms in Scotland. HDL(2006)27 issued instructions on the arrangements for prescribing of Schedule 2 and 3 CDs by private prescribers, this included the requirement for information on private prescriptions for CDs to be collected on a similar basis to that for NHS primary care prescriptions. This led to the following:  

• The pharmacy which dispenses the PPCD(1) should submit the form(s) to PSD Scotland  

• PPCD (1) forms should be accompanied by a CD34 submission form . For a supply of CD34 forms, please email nss.pcfs-businessupport@nhs.scot or call 01506 705101. 

• NHS Boards will be able to request retrieval of individual prescription forms. There is a legal requirement to submit all prescriptions for Schedule 2 and 3 CDs to PSD Scotland following completion of dispensing, including private prescriptions. The purpose of this is to enable the accurate monitoring and review of controlled drug prescribing by all prescribers, and to ensure that patients are managed safely.   

• A copy of the PPCD(1) form should be kept in the pharmacy  

• All records should be maintained as appropriate in the pharmacy. 

• Similarly, private requisitions of controlled drugs must be written on standardised CDRF forms, with a similar process for the prescriber to follow to obtain the forms.   

Further information is available here: HDL (2006)27: Safer Management of Controlled Drugs (CDs): Private CD Prescriptions and Changes to NHS Prescriptions https://www.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/mels/HDL2006_27.pdf , and the detail is summarised in the flow chart below: 

This information was correct at the time of publication. Policy and guidance can change, so please check our latest news for the current position. For anything else, please contact enquiries@cps.scot

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What form should a private prescription for a Schedule 2 or 3 Controlled Drug be written on?

  In Scotland, private prescriptions for Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 CDs should be issued on designated PPCD(1) forms. HDL(2006)27 set out the arrangements for private prescribing of these CDs, including the requirement for information on private CD prescriptions to be collected on a similar basis to NHS primary care prescriptions. Private requisitions of CDs must likewise be written on standardised CDRF forms, with a similar process for prescribers to obtain them.

• What does the pharmacy need to do after dispensing a PPCD(1)?

  Once dispensing is complete, the pharmacy should submit the PPCD(1) form(s) to PSD Scotland, accompanied by a CD34 submission form. This is a legal requirement for all Schedule 2 and 3 CD prescriptions, including private ones, and enables accurate monitoring of CD prescribing by all prescribers so that patients are managed safely. NHS Boards can request retrieval of individual forms. The pharmacy should keep a copy of the PPCD(1) form and maintain all records as appropriate.

• How do I get a supply of CD34 forms and where can I find more information?

  Email nss.pcfs-businessupport@nhs.scot or call 01506 705101 to request CD34 forms. Full details are in HDL(2006)27: Safer Management of Controlled Drugs (CDs): Private CD Prescriptions and Changes to NHS Prescriptions.