How frequently must night cabinets in prison clinic pharmacies be inventoried?

The correct answer is that night cabinets in prison clinic pharmacies must be inventoried once per week to ensure the safe and effective management of medications in a controlled environment. This frequent inventory is crucial in a prison setting due to the heightened need for security and accountability around the dispensing and administration of medications.

In a facility like a prison, where there may be a higher risk of misuse or diversion of drugs, a weekly inventory allows for timely detection of discrepancies, loss, or unauthorized access to medications. It also supports compliance with regulatory standards and ensures that the pharmacy operations maintain a high level of integrity and safety.

Less frequent inventories, such as monthly or every two weeks, may not provide adequate oversight to quickly address any potential issues or concerns regarding medication management within this unique and sensitive environment. The weekly requirement strikes a balance between operational efficiency and the rigorous monitoring needed in a correctional facility.