How often is a pharmacy required to take a complete inventory of controlled substances?

A pharmacy is required to take a complete inventory of controlled substances every two years. This regulation is stipulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to ensure that pharmacies maintain accurate records of their controlled substance inventory and to prevent diversion or misuse. The biennial inventory must include a thorough count of all controlled substances on hand, ensuring that the figures match the records maintained for these drugs.

Choosing a timeframe of every two years provides a balance between the need for regulatory oversight and the operational realities of managing a pharmacy. It allows pharmacies to regularly verify their stock levels and helps to ensure compliance with federal regulations regarding controlled substances. This requirement is a crucial part of maintaining pharmacy operations within the legal framework governing the dispensing and management of controlled medications.