A perpetual inventory for all Schedule II substances and actual counts shall be verified how frequently?

In the context of managing controlled substances, particularly Schedule II substances, maintaining an accurate inventory is critically important for compliance with regulations. The correct answer indicates that a perpetual inventory should be verified monthly. Conducting these verifications monthly ensures that any discrepancies can be identified and addressed promptly, which is essential for preventing misuse or diversion of these highly regulated substances.

Monthly verification helps in maintaining a consistent check on the quantities on hand against the recorded usage, thereby enhancing accountability and security within the pharmacy or healthcare setting. This frequency also aligns with best practices for inventory management, as it allows for timely updates and adjustments to records, ensuring they remain as accurate as possible.

Other options, such as annual or quarterly verifications, may not provide sufficient frequency to catch discrepancies in a timely manner, increasing the risk of non-compliance or potential abuses. Weekly verifications, while more frequent than monthly, may be burdensome and unnecessary for many pharmacies, creating a logistical challenge without a corresponding increase in benefit. Therefore, opting for a monthly verification strike a practical balance between diligence and operational efficiency.