What immediate action is required when a pharmacy detects a theft of controlled substances?

When a pharmacy detects a theft of controlled substances, the immediate requirement is to report the incident to law enforcement and the DEA. This is crucial because controlled substances are regulated heavily due to their potential for abuse and associated risks to public safety. Prompt reporting helps to initiate an investigation, which can help in recovering stolen items and preventing future incidents.

By notifying law enforcement, the pharmacy cooperates with authorities who are trained to handle such incidents and may have access to broader investigative resources. Reporting to the DEA is also essential because it allows the agency to monitor trends in controlled substance thefts and to take necessary regulatory actions to uphold safety and compliance in the community.

Conducting an internal audit is an important step in assessing the scope of theft and identifying vulnerabilities in the inventory management system, but it should not delay reporting to the authorities. Waiting for law enforcement to initiate contact would not suffice, as it may prolong the potential risk associated with the theft. Contacting the media to make a public statement is unnecessary at this stage, as the focus should be on handling the security breach rather than public relations.

Taking immediate action by informing the relevant authorities ensures compliance with federal regulations and helps protect against further violations or risks associated with the theft.