How often should a pharmacy inventory controlled substances?

The requirement for a pharmacy to inventory controlled substances is established by federal regulations, which stipulate that controlled substances must be counted and recorded on a biennial basis. However, while the law specifies this frequency, it also recognizes that certain circumstances may necessitate more frequent inventories.

Therefore, stating that a pharmacy should conduct an inventory every six months allows for a more diligent approach to managing controlled substances and ensures that any discrepancies can be quickly identified and addressed. This practice can help maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and enhance the pharmacy's overall security and accountability.

Pharmacies can also choose to perform inventory checks more frequently if they suspect theft or diversion, or if they notice unusual activity in their records. This reflects a proactive stance in ensuring compliance with both state and federal regulations governing the handling of controlled substances.