For controlled substances classified as C-III, IV, and V, what is required if the inventory is less than 1000 units?

For controlled substances classified as C-III, C-IV, and C-V, when the inventory is under 1,000 units, an estimated count is sufficient for record-keeping purposes. This regulation is in place to provide flexibility and reduce the administrative burden on pharmacies while still maintaining compliance with federal and state laws.

The requirement for an estimated count means that pharmacists do not need to conduct an exact count of every unit if the total number of dosage units is below the threshold of 1,000. This allows for a more efficient process in managing inventory, especially for smaller quantities that may not warrant a detailed accounting. However, once the inventory exceeds 1,000 units, an exact count becomes necessary to ensure accuracy in record-keeping and compliance.

Maintaining proper inventory records is critical in pharmacy practice, particularly for controlled substances, to prevent misuse and ensure that each pharmacy can account for all of their medications accurately. This regulation strikes a balance between practical operational needs and regulatory requirements.