What action should be taken if a controlled substance is lost or stolen?

When a controlled substance is lost or stolen, it is crucial to notify the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) immediately. According to federal regulations, pharmacies and healthcare providers are required to report any theft or significant loss of controlled substances to the DEA as soon as possible, but no later than one business day after the discovery of the loss. This allows the DEA to investigate the incident and take necessary actions to prevent further occurrences.

Reporting to law enforcement is also important and may be part of the process, but the DEA must be notified as part of the regulatory compliance requirements specific to controlled substances. Simply replacing the lost item without reporting is not permissible, as it fails to address the legal obligations and potential implications of the loss. Waiting to see if the item is returned does not fulfill the requirement to report the incident and can result in severe consequences for the pharmacy or healthcare provider.

Therefore, promptly notifying the DEA is the appropriate and legally mandated action to take in the event of a loss or theft of controlled substances.