When a new pharmacist in charge (PIC) takes over, what must be done with controlled substances on the effective date of the change?

• A. Perform a complete inventory of all controlled substances
• B. Renew the PIC’s license with the board
• C. Notify the regulatory agency about the change
• D. Update the pharmacy’s controlled-substance log

Answer: (A)

When a new PIC takes over, the immediate priority is to establish a verified baseline of all controlled substances by performing a complete inventory on the effective date. This physical count creates an exact snapshot of what is on hand and reconciles it with the records, ensuring accountability and preventing discrepancies or potential diversion as responsibility transfers. It satisfies regulatory expectations that the new person in charge has an accurate, auditable starting point for controlled substances.

Other tasks may be necessary in the broader change process, but they do not replace the need for an inventory on the change date. Licensing or notification actions are handled through separate processes and timelines, and updating the controlled-substance log relies on knowing the actual quantities from the inventory to be accurate.