Is a pharmacy required to send the final inventory to the DEA when closing?

When a pharmacy is closing, it is not obligated to send a final inventory to the DEA unless specifically requested. This aligns with the regulations set by the DEA regarding the closing of pharmacies. Pharmacies must conduct an inventory of scheduled controlled substances at the time of closure, but this inventory does not need to be sent to the DEA unless they expressly request it.

In practice, this means that while pharmacies need to ensure they comply with legal requirements for inventory documentation, the act of sending that inventory to the DEA is not a blanket requirement. This regulation allows pharmacies some autonomy in managing their records upon closing, as the DEA generally assumes the responsibility for requesting any additional information they may need if they have concerns about compliance or the substances involved.

This understanding highlights the importance of maintaining accurate records and being prepared for potential requests from regulatory bodies, without the burden of mandatory reporting in every situation surrounding the closure of a pharmacy.