How often must a pharmacy renew its controlled substance inventory?

The requirement for a pharmacy to renew its controlled substance inventory annually is based on the regulations set forth by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and applicable state laws. Pharmacies must conduct a complete and accurate inventory of all controlled substances on hand at least once every 12 months. This annual inventory is essential for maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations, ensuring that the pharmacy accurately tracks the quantities of controlled substances and prevents potential abuse or diversion.

Conducting the inventory annually helps to safeguard against discrepancies and ensures that the pharmacy maintains accurate records, which can be inspected by regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with laws governing controlled substances. This requirement is critical in promoting the responsible management of these medications, which have a high potential for abuse and addiction.