How should a pharmacy store a supply of controlled substances greater than 72 hours?

The correct approach for storing a supply of controlled substances greater than 72 hours is to keep them in double locked cabinets. This method of storage is compliant with security regulations established by both federal and state laws aimed at preventing theft and unauthorized access to controlled substances. A double locked system typically involves the use of a locked cabinet that is secured with a padlock or other locking mechanism, in addition to being located within a room that is also locked.

This level of security is crucial because controlled substances are susceptible to abuse and diversion. By enforcing stricter storage guidelines, pharmacies help safeguard these medications against unauthorized individuals while ensuring they remain accessible to authorized personnel when needed for dispensing and treatment purposes.

Options involving less secure storage measures, such as a dispensed cabinet or an open area, do not provide the necessary levels of security and could lead to increased risk of diversion. Therefore, double locked cabinets are the appropriate and required method for securing larger quantities of controlled substances to meet legal compliance and safety standards.