(1)  Where, on the application of a registered nurse, the Minister is satisfied that the nurse carries on his or her profession under such circumstances that the services of a medical practitioner are not readily available to give instructions for the administration of narcotic substances to the patients upon whom the nurse attends, the Minister may grant the nurse a nurse's authority.

(2)  A nurse's authority granted under subregulation (1)  –

(a) authorises its holder to have possession of such narcotic substances for the purpose for which the authority is issued and in such quantities as may be specified in the authority; and

(b) ceases to have effect when the person by whom it is held ceases to hold the appointment or employment specified in the authority.

(3)  On an order in writing signed by the holder of a nurse's authority granted under subregulation (1) and upon production by the holder of the authority, a pharmacist may supply the holder of the authority with such narcotic substances and in such quantities as may be specified in the authority.

(4)  A person who has been granted a nurse's authority under this regulation must keep a narcotic substances register in accordance with regulation 18 .

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 10 penalty units.