What is one method a pharmacy can use to keep records of controlled substance refills?

Keeping accurate records of controlled substance refills is a critical component of pharmacy operations, necessitated by both federal and state regulations. One effective method for maintaining these records is through hard copy printout verification. This method ensures that physical documentation is readily accessible for review and auditing purposes, allowing pharmacists to confirm the details of refills, including patient information, quantity dispensed, and refill dates.

Hard copy printouts also align with the regulatory requirements that stipulate that pharmacies maintain comprehensive records of controlled substances to provide accountability and traceability. These records must be readily accessible during inspections by regulatory bodies, which is why having them in a hard copy format can facilitate easy retrieval and verification during audits.

In contrast, while methods like emailing records to the Board of Pharmacy or storing records in a cloud database might also support recordkeeping, they do not provide the same level of immediate access and verification that physical documentation does. Additionally, relying solely on electronic systems can pose challenges related to data security, retention, and compliance with specific regulatory requirements governing controlled substance records.