If a pharmacy is registered with the DEA, how must they handle inventory for controlled substances?

If a pharmacy is registered with the DEA, how must they handle inventory for controlled substances?

• A. There are no requirements
• B. All must be kept under lock and key
• C. Inventory must be documented and accurate
• D. Only narcotics need to be accounted for

Answer: (C)

Pharmacies registered with the DEA must adhere to strict regulations for the handling and documentation of controlled substances, as established by the Controlled Substances Act. Accurate and comprehensive inventory documentation is critical for compliance and monitoring drug use, potential diversion, and ensuring the safety of medication supply. The correct requirement emphasizes that inventory must be documented and accurate. This means that pharmacies are required to maintain precise records of all controlled substances they possess, where they are located, and any transactions involving these substances. Regular inventory counts and proper documentation help to ensure that any discrepancies can be quickly identified and appropriately addressed. In contrast, the other choices do not align with DEA regulations. While there are security measures in place, stating there are no requirements would be misleading. Simply keeping all substances locked does not fulfill the comprehensive documentation responsibility required by the DEA. Additionally, not all controlled substances are narcotics; therefore, the idea that only narcotics need to be accounted for would neglect the other classes of controlled substances, which are also subject to strict inventory requirements.

Pharmacies registered with the DEA must adhere to strict regulations for the handling and documentation of controlled substances, as established by the Controlled Substances Act. Accurate and comprehensive inventory documentation is critical for compliance and monitoring drug use, potential diversion, and ensuring the safety of medication supply.

The correct requirement emphasizes that inventory must be documented and accurate. This means that pharmacies are required to maintain precise records of all controlled substances they possess, where they are located, and any transactions involving these substances. Regular inventory counts and proper documentation help to ensure that any discrepancies can be quickly identified and appropriately addressed.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with DEA regulations. While there are security measures in place, stating there are no requirements would be misleading. Simply keeping all substances locked does not fulfill the comprehensive documentation responsibility required by the DEA. Additionally, not all controlled substances are narcotics; therefore, the idea that only narcotics need to be accounted for would neglect the other classes of controlled substances, which are also subject to strict inventory requirements.