What must dentists maintain when stocking Schedule II, III, IV, or V drugs?

In Washington State, dentists are required to maintain an inventory control record for Schedule II, III, IV, and V drugs. This practice is crucial for ensuring that these controlled substances are monitored accurately and responsibly. The inventory control record helps track the quantities of these drugs that are received, dispensed, and currently on hand, thereby facilitating proper accounting and compliance with state and federal regulations.

This record serves not only as a measure to prevent misuse and theft but also as a safeguard to demonstrate adherence to legal obligations concerning the handling of controlled substances. Maintaining accurate records aids in identifying discrepancies and informs the practitioner of their drug supplies at any given time.

Other options, while they may be relevant in certain contexts, do not fulfill the specific legal requirements surrounding the handling of controlled drugs. For example, a shortage report deals with the unavailability of specific medications, a waste log may track expired or unusable materials, and a patient referral record focuses on patient management rather than drug inventory. Hence, the requirement for an inventory control record is paramount in the dental practice regarding controlled substances.