How should physicians who dispense drugs store them?

Physicians who dispense drugs are required to store them in a locked storage area with limited access to ensure the safety and integrity of the medications. This practice is critical for preventing unauthorized access and potential misuse of prescription medications, which can pose significant health risks to patients and the public.

A locked storage area helps protect against theft and ensures that only authorized personnel can access the drugs. This is particularly important for controlled substances, which have a higher potential for abuse and require stricter regulations concerning their storage. By maintaining a secure environment for drug storage, healthcare providers can uphold legal compliance and ethical standards while ensuring patient safety.

The other options do not provide adequate security measures. Storing medications in any secure location lacks specificity and does not guarantee protection from unauthorized access. Keeping drugs under the counter may compromise their security and accessibility, while storing medications in a refrigerator does not address the essential need for access restrictions. Thus, the practice of using a locked storage area with limited access aligns with best practices and regulatory requirements in the dispensing of medications.