What does the "loss of CSOS key" refer to in pharmacy regulations?

The term "loss of CSOS key" refers to the loss of access to controlled substances. The Controlled Substance Ordering System (CSOS) uses digital certificates (or keys) for pharmacies to securely order controlled substances electronically. If a pharmacy loses its CSOS key, it means that they cannot authenticate their identity in the system and therefore cannot place orders for controlled substances. This loss can lead to significant disruptions in the pharmacy’s ability to manage its inventory of controlled substances, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

This understanding is crucial for pharmacies as maintaining access to controlled substances is essential for operations, patient safety, and legal compliance. Therefore, recovering or replacing the lost key becomes a priority to restore these functionalities and ensure that controlled substances are managed appropriately.