Question 4

A pharmacy that discovers the theft of a controlled substance must notify the Drug Enforcement Administration.

When a pharmacy discovers the theft of a controlled substance, it is required by federal regulations to notify the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as part of compliance and reporting measures.

A) local law enforcement

While notifying local law enforcement may be a prudent step, it is not a federal requirement specifically outlined for pharmacies regarding the theft of controlled substances. Local law enforcement's involvement may vary depending on the jurisdiction and circumstance.

B) the State Board of Pharmacy

Notifying the State Board of Pharmacy is important for regulatory compliance; however, federal regulations specifically mandate notification to the DEA in cases of controlled substance theft, making this option insufficient on its own.

C) the Food and Drug Administration

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) primarily oversees the safety and efficacy of medications rather than the regulation of controlled substances. Therefore, this option is not relevant in the context of reporting thefts of controlled substances.

D) the Drug Enforcement Administration

This is the correct answer because the Drug Enforcement Administration is the federal agency responsible for enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations. Pharmacies must report any theft of controlled substances directly to the DEA to ensure proper follow-up and compliance with the law.

Conclusion

The requirement to notify the Drug Enforcement Administration underscores the importance of monitoring and controlling the distribution of controlled substances. All other options, while potentially relevant in different contexts, do not fulfill the specific federal requirement mandated for pharmacies in the event of a theft. Thus, D is the definitive correct answer.