What should pharmacies do to comply with regulations regarding controlled substances?

Pharmacies must take proactive measures to ensure compliance with regulations surrounding controlled substances, which include investigating any discrepancies and maintaining proper documentation. When discrepancies occur—such as variations between the physical inventory and what the records indicate—pharmacies are required to thoroughly investigate these issues. This is critical not only to adhere to legal requirements but also to prevent potential diversion of controlled substances and to ensure that the pharmacy operates ethically and responsibly.

Proper documentation is also crucial as it serves as a legal record of compliance. Pharmacies are expected to maintain meticulous records of all transactions involving controlled substances, including receipts, dispensing logs, and inventory records. These logs enable regulatory agencies to conduct audits and verify that regulated practices are being followed, which is an essential aspect of pharmacy operations.

In contrast, audits occurring only once every five years or ignoring minor discrepancies do not align with the regulatory expectations set forth for pharmacies. Random checks without any form of documentation can lead to regulatory violations, as the lack of a paper trail makes it impossible to demonstrate compliance during inspections or audits. Thus, diligent investigation and meticulous record-keeping are integral to maintaining compliance with controlled substance regulations.