When conducting a controlled substance inventory, how must Schedule II substances be counted?

Schedule II substances are classified by the Controlled Substances Act as having a high potential for abuse, leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. Therefore, strict regulations are in place regarding their handling, storage, and inventory.

When conducting a controlled substance inventory for Schedule II drugs, an exact count of all open containers is required. This is due to the high level of regulatory scrutiny associated with these substances. An accurate accounting ensures that any discrepancies can be addressed and that there is no diversion or mismanagement of these highly regulated drugs.

Estimating quantities, sampling, or only counting sealed containers would not comply with regulatory requirements and could lead to inaccuracies in inventory records, which could raise flags during regulatory inspections. Thus, making an exact count of open containers is a critical step to ensure accurate tracking and compliance with legal standards.