When transferring controlled substances after closing a pharmacy, is it necessary to submit the inventory to the DEA?

When closing a pharmacy and transferring controlled substances, it is not mandatory to submit an inventory to the DEA unless specifically requested by the regional administrator. After a pharmacy closes, it is required to account for the controlled substances in order to ensure proper record-keeping and compliance with federal regulations, but this does not necessitate a proactive submission of inventory to the DEA unless directed to do so.

The requirement for documentation and inventory reflects the DEA's commitment to monitor controlled substances closely, ensuring that they are accounted for during the transfer process and preventing any potential diversion. If the regional administrator of the DEA asks for the inventory, then it must be provided, but that request does not inherently arise from the act of closing alone. This ensures that the pharmacy can effectively manage its controlled substance inventory during the transition without unnecessary additional reporting, unless explicitly asked by the DEA.

In contrast, the other options suggest either a blanket requirement for reporting inventory or only in specific circumstances, which diverges from the established protocol of only needing to comply with DEA requests. The focus on the regional administrator's specific requests helps streamline the reporting process while maintaining security and accountability over controlled substances.