How long must reports of theft or significant loss of controlled substances be maintained on record?

Reports of theft or significant loss of controlled substances must be maintained on record for a period of two years. This requirement is in line with federal regulations set forth by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which stipulate that records related to controlled substances, including any reports of theft or loss, must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the event.

Maintaining these records for two years ensures that any theft or loss can be traced appropriately and investigated if necessary. It also aids regulatory compliance and monitoring of controlled substances, which is critical for preventing misuse and ensuring patient safety.

Other options involve timeframes that do not meet the regulatory requirement, either being too short or too long. For instance, maintaining records for one year would not fulfill the two-year requirement, while indefinite retention is not mandated by law, leading to inefficiencies in record management.