What is the first step a pharmacy should take in the event of a theft?

In the event of a theft, the first and most critical step a pharmacy should take is to inform the DEA Field Office. This is essential because, under federal law, pharmacies are required to report any theft of controlled substances to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) immediately. This ensures that the agency can take the necessary actions to prevent illegal diversion of drugs and help with the recovery of stolen inventory.

Notifying the DEA is a crucial step as it provides the agency with the information needed to potentially prevent further criminal activity and assures compliance with health and safety regulations. Additionally, the DEA can guide the pharmacy on subsequent measures to take, such as filing a detailed report and securing the premises.

While notifying the State Board of Pharmacy and contacting the pharmacy owner are also important steps in the aftermath of a theft, they are not mandated to be the first action taken. Alerting the local community may be necessary in some cases, but it does not address the immediate legal obligations regarding controlled substances that the pharmacy faces. Thus, informing the DEA Field Office is the priority to ensure proper legal protocols are followed promptly.