How often is a controlled substance (CS) inventory required according to Federal law?

The requirement for conducting a controlled substance inventory according to Federal law is biennial, meaning it must occur every two years. This regulation is established under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) rules, which stipulate that all registrants who handle controlled substances are obligated to perform an inventory of all stocks of controlled substances as part of their compliance duties. This inventory serves as a critical component in monitoring the handling and distribution of these substances, aiding in the prevention of misuse and diversion.

The biennial schedule allows sufficient frequency for ensuring accountability while not being overly burdensome for pharmacies and entities dealing with controlled substances. This requirement underlines the importance of rigorous oversight in the pharmaceutical sector, helping to maintain the integrity of controlled substance management. Thus, conducting this inventory every two years aligns properly with the federal guidelines.