The Department will be issuing a Group Authority [issued in accordance with Regulations 8(3), 9(3)(a) and 10(3) of The Misuse of Drugs Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002] that will authorise registered paramedics engaged by and under the control of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HSC Trust (NIAS) to supply or offer to supply Diazepam and/or Morphine Sulphate injection (to a maximum of 20mg) to any person who may lawfully have any of these drugs in their possession; and for registered paramedics to possess Diazepam and/or Morphine Sulphate preparations as detailed above for the purposes of administration for the immediate necessary treatment of sick or injured persons in the course of that service or employment.

In order to lawfully conduct the same activity, those paramedics operating outside of NIAS engagement and control will require a licence to supply, offer to supply and possess controlled drugs issued under Regulation 5 of the MDR (NI) 2002.

The issue of these licences will be dependent upon the applicant demonstrating an immediate operational need for them.

Applicants will also need to satisfy the requirements of the Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 1973 and the ability to comply with the requirements of The Misuse of Drugs Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002.

They will also be subject to periodic inspection by this Department.

Licences may be obtained by completing the application form on the controlled drug licensing section of this website and submitting it to the Department as directed.  

Alternatively, you may request a form by contacting Karen Savage on:

       Telephone: 028 90 522118

       Fax: 028 90 528490/520535

       Email:karen.savage@dhsspsni.gov.uk