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Covert administration — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardPharmacy Law and EthicsCovert administrationGPhC CRA

A 72-year-old man in a care home has a covert administration request for crushed quetiapine because he refuses night medicines. The carer says the family agrees, but there is no capacity assessment or best-interest documentation. The prescription is otherwise valid. What is the legal classification/requirement?

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Correct answer: E — Do not proceed until capacity and best-interest processes are documented

Covert administration is a significant legal and ethical intervention. It requires assessment of capacity, best-interest decision-making and a documented care plan involving appropriate professionals. Family agreement alone is not enough to proceed safely.

Reference: Mental Capacity Act 2005; GPhC Standards; MEP