The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988 (as amended) regulate controlled drugs in Ireland. A controlled drug (CD) is any substance, product or preparation specified in the schedules of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations. CDs are divided into five schedules according to their potential for misuse and therapeutic usefulness. In addition, Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs that can be prescribed by a registered nurse prescriber for pain relief in hospitals are listed in Schedule 8 (inserted with 2007 amendment regulations).