How frequently should C2 be reconciled?

The practice of reconciling controlled substances, particularly Schedule II (C2) drugs, is an important aspect of pharmacy operations to ensure accurate tracking and handling of these substances. Monthly reconciliation is the standard frequency recommended in many regulatory guidelines, including Minnesota state regulations and federal recommendations.

The reason monthly reconciliation is required is that it allows for timely detection of discrepancies such as theft, loss, or administrative errors. By conducting this task on a monthly basis, pharmacies can maintain better control over their inventory, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and uphold patient safety. Timely reconciliation helps identify discrepancies while they are still manageable, ultimately contributing to more effective inventory management and regulatory compliance.

Reconciliation frequencies like weekly, annually, or biannually would not provide the same level of oversight and control necessary for managing the risks associated with C2 medications. A weekly reconciliation might be unnecessarily labor-intensive, while annual or biannual reconciliations could lead to significant delays in detecting problems, which could pose risks to both patients and the pharmacy’s compliance standing.