The Medicines Act (1968)
The Medicines Act (1968) states that only a pharmacist or doctor has the responsibility of medication supply. A receipt on a prescription which is authorised by a doctor or a nurse is required for administration of the medication.
The Misuse of Drugs Act (1971)
The Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) refers to the medicine that can cause harm to people if taken; the term for these drugs is controlled drugs. A example of this type of drug is cocaine, which is misused by many people. The goal of this act is to prevent misuse of drugs.
The Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations (1973)
Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations (1973) states how controlled drugs should be stored. This act is mentioned in the standards for care homes. A controlled drugs cabinet which abides by the regulations of this act is where controlled drugs should be stored.
Care Standards Act (2000)
Care Standards Act (2000) is a piece of legislation produced to promote good practice in care settings which are registered under this act.
National Minimum Standards (NMS) must be accomplished by the care homes that are registered under the Care Standards Act 2000 in order to meet the service user’s needs.
The NMS specifically provide standards for the elderly, younger adults and domiciliary care. These standards are underpinned by the Care Home Regulations (2001) and care Standards Act (2000). All health care workers will be given a copy of these.
The regulatory body which examines care services for compliance to the NMS and the regulations which accompany it is the Commission for Social care Inspection (CSCI).
The inspectors working within the CSCI aim on the individuals outcomes which are to be achievable. This will calculate the performance of the care services versus the NMS.
Regulation 13(2) underpins the standards about medicines and their uses. Following the additional regulations is compulsory if the health care workers do not meet the regulations then this could result in prosecution.
Mental capacity Act (2005)
This act states that individuals have the ability to create a decision referring to their own care their selves, but if they aren’t able to do so, this must be clearly shown.
Just because a decision made by the individual wasn’t the right one, doesn’t mean they are incapable.
All possible steps should be taken so that individuals can make their own decisions an example of this is changing the formulation of medicine so that the individual takes it their self.
If it has been brought to attention that an individual cannot make his/her own decision regarding their medicine, they are incapable then the decision must be made for them on their behalf, in their best interests and not the interests of the care staff.
Rights and freedom of action must be considered.
The decision made must demonstrate that the least limited option for that individual wasn’t taken and all options for his her possible freedom considered.
The Access to Health Records 1990
This legislation states how can view your medical records. This is no body without consent of that individual’s medical record, including family and the next of kin.
A person can view his or her own medical record.
If for whatever reason information regarding medical records needs to be disclosed to other professionals the individuals permission must first be requested.
The Data Protection Act 1998
This act refers to organisations that keep personal records on the computer, their responsibility is to ensure they are safe and secure, allow the individual to view his or her own personal record, record information which is only relevant and be used and disclosed for only the stated purpose.
