General Regulatory Matters

28 Aug 24 CPNI CU#240828A RE: CMO Letter – New Restrictions on Puberty Suppressing Hormones in NI

08 Aug 24 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.

17 Jul 24 CPNI CU#240717A RE: DHNI Letter: Supplies to Registered Paramedics

09 Jul 24 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.

06 Jun 24 CPNI CU#240606C RE: ADDENDUM TO HSS(MD) 51/2023 FULL PACK DISPENSING OF VALPROATE-CONTAINING MEDICINES

06 Jun 24 CPNI CU#240606A RE: NEW RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF PUBERTY SUPPRESSING HORMONES (PUBERTY BLOCKERS) IN GREAT BRITAIN

21 May 24 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.

08 May 24 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.

27 Mar 24 CPNI CU#240327A RE: REMINDER: CONTROLLED DRUG DECLARATION AND SELF-ASSESSMENT 2024

20 Mar 24 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.

28 Feb 24 CPNI CU#240228B RE: CONTROLLED DRUG DECLARATION AND SELF-ASSESSMENT 2024

26 Feb 24 CPNI CU#240226B RE: Codeine linctus: reclassification to prescription only medicine (POM)

20 Feb 24 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.

01 Feb 24 CPNI CU#240201A RE: Correspondence Regarding Valproate Safety Materials

30 Jan 24 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.

23 Jan 24 CPNI CU#240123A RE: Update on PSNI Statement: Meeting Regulatory Standards During Periods of Global and National Shortage of Medicines

02 Jan 24 CPNI CU#240102A RE: Regulatory update: amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002

04 Dec 23 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.

17 Nov 23 CPNI CU#231117C RE: Weekly Summary

14 Nov 23 Letter from Canice Ward, Head of Medicines Regulatory Group, Department of Health RE: Valproate-containing Medicines and Original Pack Dispensing (OPD)

08 Nov 23 CPNI CU#231108A RE: Correspondence regarding supply of Valproate

09 Oct 23 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.

09 Oct 23 CPNI CU#231009A RE: DoH Correspondence Regarding Prescription Collection Procedures

29 Sep 23 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.

26 Aug 23 MHRA issued update for the list of medicines which cannot be exported or hoarded. Permethrin 5% cream has been added to this list. MHRA link. Contractors notified in weekly update.

21 Jul 23 CPNI CU#230721A RE: PSNI Statement on Meeting Regulatory Standards During Shortages of Medicines

19 Jun 23 CPNI CU#230619A RE: Medicines that cannot be exported from the UK or hoarded.

02 May 23 CPNI CU#230502C RE: Medicines That You Cannot Export from the UK or Hoard

20 Mar 23 CPNI CU#230320A RE: Electronic/Computerised Controlled Drug Registers

01 Mar 23 CPNI CU#230301A RE: Controlled Drug Declarations and Self-Assessments

16 Jan 23 CPNI CU#230116B RE: PSNI Changes to Responsibilities of Responsible and Superintendent Pharmacists

29 Dec 22 CPNI CU#221229A RE: DHNI’s Advice on Private Prescribing and Requirements for Prescriptions

01 Dec 22 CPNI CU#221201B RE: Changes to Responsibilities of RPs and SPs

31 Oct 22 CPNI CU#221031A RE: The Pharmaceutical Society NI: Contractor Information

28 Oct 22 CPNI CU#221028C RE: DH Letter Detailing the Supply of Controlled Drugs Under the Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply Service

03 Oct 22 CPNI CU#221003A RE: Cessation of Pandemic Service and Commencement of Routine Emergency Supply Service

30 Aug 22 CPNI CU#220830A RE: REMINDER Community Pharmacy ECHO Session: Vaccination and Emergency Supply Services

09 May 22 CPNI CU#220509A RE: Amendments Made to The Health and Personal Social Services Pharmaceutical Services Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997

11 Apr 22 CPNI CU#220411A RE: Emergency Supply During a Pandemic

25 Mar 22 CPNI CU#220325B RE: Enclosing Correspondence from MRG/HSCB in Respect of Inspections During COVID

14 Mar 22 CPNI CU#220314B RE: Online CD Declarations and Self-assessments

09 Mar 22 CPNI CU#220309A RE: REMINDER Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service Survey

02 Mar 22 CPNI CU#220302A RE: REMINDER Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service

23 Feb 22 CPNI CU#220223C RE: Data Collection Regarding Emergency Supply During a Pandemic (Reminders Issued 2 and 9 March 2022)

02 Feb 22 CPNI CU#220202A RE: PSNI: CPD and Registration Management using Regulator Online

01 Feb 22 CPNI CU#220201B RE: Enclosing a Letter from HSCB in Respect of the Use of the Private Controlled Drug Requisition Form (CDRF1)

31 Jan 22 CPNI CU#220131C RE: Presentation of Fraudulent RoI Private Prescriptions in Belfast Area

31 Jan 22 CPNI CU#220131B RE: Smoking Regulations

15 Dec 21 CPNI CU#211215D RE: Managing Personal Data on Disclosure UK

23 Jul 21 CPNI CU#210723B RE: Use of EMA Authorised Medicines in Northern Ireland

24 May 21 CPNI CU#210524A RE: Correspondence from HSCB Indicating that the Exceptional Arrangements that were Introduced in Respect of Instalment Dispensing During the COVID-19 Pandemic Should Now Revert to Normal Supply Arrangements

10 Mar 21 CPNI CU#210310B RE: Controlled Drug Declaration 2021: Now Online

24 Feb 21 CPNI CU#2102023B RE: Lessons from Community Pharmacy Inspections

24 Feb 21 CPNI CU#210224A RE: Premises Self-Assessment Update

12 Feb 21 CPNI CU#210212B RE: Premises Self-Assessment

12 Feb 21 CPNI CU#210212A RE: Controlled Drug Private Prescriptions and Private Stock Requisitions

29 Jan 21 CPNI CU#210129B RE: Updated Advice on Opioid Substitution Therapy

11 Jan 21 CPNI CU#210111A RE: Import Declarations for Medicines and Medicines Supplies

07 Jan 21 CPNI COVID-19 CU#173 RE: The Human Medicines (Coronavirus) (Further Amendments) Regulations 2020

23 Dec 20 CPNI COVID-19 CU#167 RE: COVID-19 Christmas and New Year Arrangements

17 Dec 20 CPNI CU#201217B RE: Prescriptions Issued by EEA Practitioners

10 Dec 20 CPNI COVID19 CU#156 RE: Instalment Dispensing During the COVID Period

25 Nov 20 CPNI CU#201125A RE: Substitution Service

18 Nov 20 CPNI CU#201118A RE: Specials


17 Nov 20

Update on the Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) in Northern Ireland Post 31 December 2020

Reminder of continuing obligations on FMD post 31 December 2020.

For more information see CPNI CU#201117A


28 Oct 20

The Human Medicines (Coronavirus & Influenza) (Amendment) Regulations 2020: Amendments to The Human Medicines Regulations 2012

The Department of Health has issued a letter confirming that amendments have been made to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 to support the rapid and effective rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine and the influenza (flu) vaccine in the UK.

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#141


16 Sep 20

Update on CPD Requirements for 2020/21

For more information see CPNI CU#200916A


11 Aug 20

Serious Shortage Protocol: Important information

Update on SSPs has been issued by DH.

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#118


29 Jul 20

Evidence of Harm from Fake or Illicit Benzodiazepines

The Department of Health has issued a letter highlighting the availability of, and harm from, illicit drugs sold as benzodiazepines – particularly when used in conjunction with alcohol and with drugs with a respiratory depressant effect including gabapentinoids and opioids.

For more information see CPNI CU#200729A


22 Jul 20

Cannabis-based Medicinal Products

The Department of Health has issued a letter summarising and updating information in respect of cannabis-based medicinal products.

For more information see CPNI CU#200722A


01 Jul 20

Reminder: Controlled Drug Stock Requisition and Prescription Forms (Schedules 2 and 3)

HSCB has issued a letter reminding contractors of the requirements pertaining to the use of various forms to order and prescribe S2 and S3 controlled drugs.

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#109


24 Jun 20

Supply of Controlled Drugs via the Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service

The Department of Health has issued a letter issuing further guidance in respect of controlled drugs and the community pharmacy emergency supply during a pandemic service as authorised under Regulation 226 of the Human Medicines Regulations (HMRs).

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#107


17 Jun 20

Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#106


15 Jun 20

Epidyolex: Advanced Notice of a Forthcoming Amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (NI) 2002

The Department of Health has issued advanced notice of an amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (NI) 2020 which is expected to come into force on 24 June 2020.

For more information see CPNI CU#200615B


09 Jun 20

COVID-19 Testing in Pharmacy Settings

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#104


20 May 20

Northern Ireland Serious Shortage Protocol for Fluoxetine 40mg Capsules Activated on 20 May 2020

CPNI previously alerted contractors to the issuing of guidance by the Department of Health NI in relation to the introduction of Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) in the event of a serious shortage of medicines.

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#096


18 May 20

Prescribing Rights for Registered Therapeutic Radiographers, Dietitians and Paramedics in Northern Ireland

HSCB has forwarded to you a letter from the Department of Health with regards to proposed changes to legislation impacting on prescribing rights for Therapeutic Radiographers, Dietitians and Paramedics.

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#093


01 May 20

PSNI Update – Notification from the Pharmaceutical Society NI on the Pre-registration Examination 2020

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#084


01 May 20

Amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012

CPNI has been working closely with DH and HSCB in respect of changes to misuse of drugs legislation being brought forward by the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#081


30 Apr 20

Addition of Pre-registration Information

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#079


28 Apr 20

Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service

The emergency supply during a pandemic service, permissible under Regulation 226 Human Medicines Regulations (HMRs) 2012, commenced on Monday 6 April 2020 and operates during all the pharmacy’s opening hours.

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#077


07 Apr 20

Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service

  1. ‘Save the Date’ information on the HSCB COVID-19 ECHO session
  2. The Privacy Notice for ‘Emergency Supply during a Pandemic Service’
  3. CPNI training video on the Emergency Supply during a Pandemic Service

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#045


07 Apr 20

Serious Shortage Protocol  

CPNI previously alerted contractors to the issuing of guidance by the Department of Health NI in relation to the introduction of Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) in the event of a serious shortage of medicines.

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#044


03 Apr 20

COVID Payments; Easter Holiday arrangements; PPE, Emergency Supply Service & Delivery of Medicines – Summary Update +++ Updated ESS Link Included +++

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#041


02 Apr 20

Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) in conjunction with Community Pharmacy NI, is introducing a temporary Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply during a Pandemic Service. This service will commence on Monday 6 April 2020.

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#037


02 Apr 20

Staff Protection Checklist – Record of Reasonable Measures Implemented

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#036


31 Mar 20

Community Pharmacy Emergency Supply During a Pandemic Service

Information from HSCB relating to the “Emergency Supply during a Pandemic Service”. 

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#034


29 Mar 20

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020

New powers have been introduced under The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020, and these came into operation at 11pm on 28 March 2020.

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#027


25 Mar 20

Coronavirus Bill 2020 – Emergency Powers

The Government has introduced the Coronavirus Bill 2020 to provide emergency powers to deal with the current crisis.

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#018


19 Mar 20

Signing for Deliveries of Controlled Drugs and Other Medicines

Guidance has been issued in respect of the signing for controlled drugs and other medicines.

For more information see CPNI COVID19 CU#011


13 Mar 20

Serious Shortage Protocol (Fluoxetine 10mg Tablets) Important Information

Information on SSPs has been issued by DH.

For more information see CPNI CU#200313A


20 Nov 19

Amendments to Misuse of Drugs Legislation

The Department of Health has notified contractors and pharmacies in respect of amendments to Misuse of Drugs legislation which came into operation on 15 November 2019.  For more information see:


19 Aug 19

CBD/Cannabis/Cannabidiol/Hemp Oils

The Department of Health has issued guidance for contractors in respect of the sale of CBD oils and other related oils and products. For more information see:


21 Mar 19

Reclassification of Pregabalin and Gabapentin/Controlled Drugs Declarations and Self-Assessments

  1. From 1 April 2019, amendments to the Misuse of Drugs (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2002 and to the Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 1973 come into force making Pregabalin and Gabapentin schedule 3 controlled drugs (CDs).
  2. The annual declaration and self-assessment form in relation to the management of controlled drugs must be completed by 31 March 2019 – a legal requirement under The Controlled Drugs (Supervision of Management and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009.