Are You Fully Compliant With Current Medication Regulations?

Medication management is one of the highest-risk areas in health and social care. It’s also one of the most common reasons services receive poor audit outcomes, safeguarding concerns, or enforcement action from regulators. Whether you run a care home, domiciliary care service, supported living setting, or another regulated activity, one question should always be at the forefront of your governance and quality systems:

Are you fully compliant with current medication regulations?

The honest answer for many services is often “not entirely.”And that’s okay—what matters is identifying where the risks are and taking action before the regulator does.

This blog explores the key areas of medication compliance and how to ensure your service meets the legal and regulatory standards expected today.

Why Medication Compliance Matters So Much

Medication errors can lead to:

• Serious harm or hospitalisation

• Regulatory enforcement

• Loss of trust from families and professionals

• Negative CQC ratings

• Damaged reputation

• Increased costs and staff stress

With high staff turnover and multiple people involved in medication administration, maintaining safe, consistent practice is challenging—yet essential.

1. Are Your Policies Up to Date?

A compliant medication system starts with strong policies. Many services fall behind because their policies are:

• Outdated

• Not aligned with current NICE guidance

• Not reflective of actual day-to-day practice

• Unclear or contradictory

Your medication policy should be reviewed at least yearly, reflect current legislation, and be accessible and understood by staff.

2. Are MAR Charts Completed Accurately?

Medication Administration Records (MARs) are one of the biggest compliance pain points.

Ask yourself:

• Are MARs always signed at the time of administration?

• Are gaps investigated—and recorded?

• Is handwritten MAR information countersigned?

• Are “as needed” (PRN) and variable dose instructions clearly documented?

• Are topical creams recorded properly?

• Is there a clear audit trail for changes?

If not, you’re likely non-compliant.

3. Are Staff Competent and Regularly Assessed?

Training alone is not enough. CQC expects:

• Formal medication training

• Practical competency assessments

• Regular refreshers

• Supervision and spot checks

• Documentation that proves competency

If staff haven't been assessed in the last 12 months, this could be a serious compliance gap.

4. Do You Have Proper Systems for Ordering, Receiving, and Storing Medicines?

Medication management isn’t just about administration. You must also have systems for:

• Ordering medicines safely and on time

• Checking deliveries

• Reporting discrepancies

• Secure, temperature-controlled storage

• Segregation and labelling

• Safe disposal procedures

Poor back-office processes lead to front-line errors.

5. Are Controlled Drugs Managed in Line with the Law?

Controlled Drugs (CDs) carry extra legal responsibilities. You should have:

• A bound CD register

• Double-signature administration

• Robust storage and recording

• Regular audits

• Accurate balance checks

CD errors are treated extremely seriously by regulators.

6. Are Homely Remedies and Over-the-Counter Medicines Properly Controlled?

Mismanagement of homely remedies is surprisingly common. You must ensure:

• A clear homely remedies policy

• GP or prescriber authorisation where required

• Clear symptom guidelines

• Correct logging and auditing

• Avoiding duplicate active ingredients

Families sometimes bring in OTC medicines without telling staff, creating hidden risks unless systems are strong.

7. Do You Audit Medication Regularly—and Act on Findings?

A monthly medication audit is essential, but regulators expect more than a checklist.

You must also:

• Analyse patterns

• Share learning

• Update action plans

• Review staff performance

• Improve systems, not just record the problems

Audits that sit in a folder gather dust, not compliance.

8. Are PRN and Covert Medication Authorisations in Place?

PRN (as-required) medications must have:

• Clear protocols

• Individualised instructions

• Documented effectiveness checks

Covert medication must follow:

• A mental capacity assessment

• A best-interest decision

• Involvement from prescribers, pharmacists, and family

• Clear documentation

These are high-risk areas for non-compliance.

9. Is Technology Supporting or Hindering Your Compliance?

Electronic MAR (eMAR) systems can improve compliance—but only if staff use them correctly. If you use eMAR:

• Are alerts monitored?

• Are staff trained confidently?

• Is the system audited?

• Are errors logged and acted upon?

Paper or electronic, compliance depends on people and processes.

So… Are You Fully Compliant?

If you’re unsure about even one of these areas, your service may not meet current standards. Medication management is too important—and too risky—to leave to chance.

How a Care Consultancy Can Help

A specialist care consultancy can support you by offering:

• Full medication audits

• Competency assessments

• Policy reviews and updates

• Staff training

• Crisis support after a significant medication error

• Governance reviews

• Mock CQC inspections

• Action plans for improvement

Whether you’re aiming for Outstanding or trying to avoid enforcement action, expert support can give you reassurance and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Medication regulations change, staff change, and systems evolve—which means compliance is never “done.” It’s ongoing, dynamic, and essential.

Asking yourself “Are we fully compliant?” isn’t a one-off question.It should be part of your service’s culture—embedded into every shift, every audit, and every leadership meeting.

Because when medication is managed safely, lives are protected, outcomes improve, and your service becomes stronger, safer, and more confident.