NSW Health and the Board would like to remind all veterinarians in NSW of their obligations regarding the reporting of loss or theft of S8s, storage of S8s, record keeping for S8s, S8 stock checks and what to do if you find an S8 drug which is out of date.

The loss or theft of any drug of addiction (S8) or prescribed restricted substance (S4 Appendix D or S4D) must be reported to NSW Health immediately.  This submission must be via an online form (Submit Form button top left of first page).  NSW Health does not accept photos, scanned copies or handwritten submissions.

S8 drugs must be kept in a safe attached to the premises.  Keys to the safe containing S8 drugs should not be left on the premises unless they can be locked in another safe and only a vet can have ultimate access to the drugs or the keys to the safe containing S8 drugs.

An S8 drug register must be kept with the following details:

•   i.  the date of the entry
•  ii.  the name and address of the supplier (in the case of receipt) or the name and address of the animal's             owner and the species of animal (in the case of administration or supply)
• iii.  the quantity received, supplied or used and the balance held after the transaction
• iv.  the name of the veterinary practitioner authorising the supply or use
•  v.  the signature of the veterinary practitioner actually supplying, using or administering the drug.

Note: iv and v would normally be the same person.

Electronic drug registers for this purpose are now available but must be approved by NSW Health.  Approval is on a case by case basis by the Chief Pharmacist and a guideline is available from NSW Health.

You can purchase a standard paper based register from a number of suppliers including pharmaceutical wholesalers.

A stock check of all drugs of addiction must be completed by a veterinarian at least twice a year (during March and September). Immediately under the last entry for each drug they should write the date on which the check was made, the words "Balance on hand," the quantity held, and should sign the entry. Any person who assumes control of a practice for one month or more should immediately perform a similar check irrespective of the time of year.

If a drug of addiction becomes unwanted or is out of date, it may be destroyed under the supervision of a police officer, by an authorised officer of the Ministry of Health (phone Pharmaceutical Services on (02) 9391 9944) or by a retail pharmacist in the presence of the veterinarian either at the latter’s premises or at the pharmacy. In all cases the destruction must be recorded in the veterinarian’s drug register, signed and dated by the person carrying out the destruction and co-signed by the practitioner. A pharmacist must also include their name and professional registration number in the entry.

Information from NSW Health on destruction of S8 medication, including out of date drugs, is available from the following website http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pharmaceutical/pharmacists/Pages/faq-schedule-8-medicines.aspx