Controlled substances inventory records

Pharmacy and clinic buyers meet these records when reviewing compliance, because they show how narcotics have been handled. The rules are federal, and the pharmacy buyer checklist places them within the wider review. Ownership approvals are a separate matter, covered under pharmacy licence.

What the federal rules say

• Section 40.1 of the Narcotic Control Regulations requires a pharmacist to retain the records the Regulations require for at least two years.
• A pharmacist must make records available and produce them to an inspector on request, report a narcotic’s loss or theft to the Minister within the period set, and take all reasonable steps necessary to protect narcotics on the premises or under their control against loss or theft.
• Under section 31 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and subject to its conditions, an inspector may enter a place to verify compliance and examine records about controlled substances, other than records of the medical condition of persons.

What to ask

Ask the seller for the current records, any reported losses, and any inspection findings. Ask how the records will move to the buyer, and confirm the provincial college’s own requirements.