When must a pharmacy conduct controlled substances inventory counts?

A pharmacy is required to conduct controlled substances inventory counts under several specific circumstances to ensure compliance with regulations surrounding the handling of these substances. The key times when inventory counts must be conducted include before opening the pharmacy for the first time, biennially (every two years), whenever there is a change in ownership of the pharmacy, and upon closing the pharmacy.

These requirements are established to maintain accurate records of controlled substances and to monitor for discrepancies that could suggest mismanagement or diversion of these medications. Conducting inventory counts at these critical times helps ensure that the pharmacy has complete control over its controlled substance stock, which is crucial for regulatory compliance and the safety of patients who rely on these medications.

While other options mentioned certain inventory counting scenarios, they do not encompass the comprehensive list required by regulations. For instance, annual inventories or counts every six months do not align with the established biennial requirement, and conducting an inventory only when there is a theft would not sufficiently cover the necessary checks to prevent theft or misuse from occurring in the first place. Thus, the outlined timeframes in the chosen response represent the full intent of regulated oversight in the pharmacy setting.