How often must a controlled substances inventory be conducted?

Controlled substances inventories must be conducted every two years, which aligns with federal regulations governing the management of controlled substances in pharmacies. This two-year interval is designed to ensure that pharmacies maintain accurate records of their inventory of controlled substances.

The rationale behind this requirement is to facilitate oversight and monitoring of controlled substances to prevent misuse, diversion, or theft. By conducting an inventory at this frequency, pharmacies can ensure accountability and maintain compliance with both federal and state laws.

It is important to note that while some states may have specific guidelines that could encourage more frequent inventories, the general federal standard set by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) mandates the inventory to occur every two years, which is why this choice is the correct answer.