When must a complete inventory be taken according to Delaware Pharmacy Law?

A complete inventory must be taken when a pharmacist in charge leaves the pharmacy. This requirement is essential for maintaining an accurate record of controlled substances and ensuring compliance with regulations concerning the handling of these medications. When the pharmacist in charge departs, it provides an opportunity to reassess and document the exact quantities of all controlled substances in the pharmacy, thereby helping to prevent discrepancies and ensuring that the new pharmacist in charge is aware of the current inventory status.

The options of taking an inventory when the pharmacy closes, annually, or every two years do not directly align with this specific regulatory requirement. While regular audits and inventories are necessary practices, the specific mandate in Delaware Pharmacy Law emphasizes the importance of taking inventory at the point of transition in management, namely when there is a change in the pharmacist in charge. This helps ensure that every shift in responsibility is paired with a thorough reconciliation of the pharmacy's controlled substances.