How often must a controlled substance inventory be conducted according to regulations?

The correct frequency for conducting a controlled substance inventory is every two years. This requirement is in accordance with the regulations established by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) under the Controlled Substances Act.

Conducting an inventory every two years helps ensure that pharmacies and other registrants maintain accurate records of their controlled substance stocks, which is crucial for preventing misuse and maintaining compliance with federal law. The inventory serves as a measure to check for discrepancies, reduce the risks of loss, and increase accountability regarding the handling of controlled substances.

Options indicating more frequent inventories, such as annually or every six months, do not align with the regulatory framework set by the DEA. Conversely, conducting an inventory every five years would not meet the minimum regulatory requirement set forth by the DEA either. Thus, conducting an inventory every two years strikes the right balance between oversight and operational efficiency for entities handling controlled substances.