What is the correct action if a pharmacy technician discovers a theft of prescription drugs?

When a pharmacy technician discovers a theft of prescription drugs, the appropriate action is to report it to the Board of Pharmacy. This is crucial because the Board has regulatory oversight and is responsible for ensuring compliance with pharmacy laws and regulations. Reporting the theft allows the Board to take the necessary actions to investigate the incident, potentially preventing future occurrences and protecting public safety.

The involvement of the Board also means that they can provide guidance on how to properly document the incident and any other necessary legal steps to follow, which is vital for maintaining accountability within the pharmacy setting.

While informing the pharmacy manager is an important step in the chain of command, it is not sufficient on its own to address the legal implications of a theft, especially considering the potential risks to patients and the pharmacy’s operation. Similarly, notifying the prescriber is not relevant in this scenario as the prescriber does not have a role in handling theft incidents and it does not address the need for regulatory reporting. Ignoring the issue is never an acceptable response due to the serious implications of drug theft for public health and safety.