What must a community pharmacy track when handling controlled substances?

When handling controlled substances, a community pharmacy must track the inventory of controlled substances. This requirement is rooted in regulatory compliance and the need to prevent misuse or diversion of these medications, which have a high potential for abuse and can lead to significant public health issues. Accurate inventory tracking allows pharmacies to maintain proper records for all controlled substances received, dispensed, and on hand.

Pharmacies must keep detailed logs regarding the quantities of each controlled substance, which helps ensure accountability and allows for monitoring any discrepancies. Additionally, this tracking is essential for reporting to regulatory agencies, as well as for internal audits to assess the pharmacy's operational integrity.

Maintaining a robust inventory system not only aids in compliance with laws such as the Controlled Substances Act but also contributes to patient safety by ensuring that these medications are available when needed and preventing overstocking, which can lead to enhanced risk of theft or misuse.