Legislative Council Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2) 51 2 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Answers to Questions Controlled Medication CONTROLLED MEDICATION The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK Legislative Council CONTROLLED MEDICATION In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (31 May 2007). The Hon. G.E. GAGO Legislative Council Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health CONTROLLED MEDICATION The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health): I have been advised that: 1.	The Nurses Board of South Australia determines what is in the ordinary course of duties for their profession. In some instances, what is thought to be an appropriate duty for an enrolled nurse to perform has changed, which has resulted in a small anomaly under the controlled substances legislation. 2.	The reference to a lack of flexibility and delegation if the controlled substances legislation does not allow enrolled nurses to administer imprest stock is inaccurate. The control mechanism is through the issuing of a licence to the health service for possession under an imprest system of supply. 3.	The proposals were referred to the December 2006 Controlled Substances Advisory Council meeting. The Council recommended that consultation with the acute health sector should commence with the view to proposing changes to the legislation in regard to the administration of drugs of dependence by enrolled nurses. This would cover enrolled nurses in all health services, both in acute and residential aged care settings. 4.	Consultation with the acute health sector, as recommended by the Controlled Substances Advisory Council, has been completed. Additional information is being considered in relation to the impact of the proposed changes on the aged care industry. Appropriate legislative changes will be progressed once this information has been considered.