When must a pharmacist report theft or loss of controlled substances?

The requirement for a pharmacist to report theft or loss of controlled substances is dictated by both federal and state regulations. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a theft or significant loss of controlled substances must be reported to the DEA within 1 business day. This aligns with the choice indicating that the report should be made within 24 hours.

Reporting such incidents in a timely manner is crucial for ensuring compliance with legal standards and safeguarding public health. It allows for prompt investigation and helps to prevent further loss or diversion of controlled substances, which are highly regulated due to their potential for abuse and dependency.

While the other choices may present scenarios related to monitoring or reporting, they do not reflect the specific time frame established by the regulations for immediate reporting of theft or loss of controlled substances.