South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

Who should be contacted in the event of a theft of controlled substances?

1. Local police only

2. DEA and SCBOP

3. Just the pharmacy board

4. Department of Insurance

The correct answer is: DEA and SCBOP

In the event of a theft of controlled substances, the appropriate actions involve notifying both the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy (SCBOP). This dual notification is essential because the DEA has federal jurisdiction over controlled substances, and they need to be informed of any thefts to help prevent illegal distribution and improve overall drug safety. Additionally, the SCBOP oversees pharmacy practice at the state level and must be made aware of any incidents that could affect public health and safety. Contacting only local police can result in a lack of necessary regulatory oversight, as they may not have the specific expertise or capacity to handle the implications related to the federal scheduling of controlled substances. Relying solely on the pharmacy board would also be insufficient, as their actions are complementary to those of the DEA rather than a substitute. Engaging the Department of Insurance is not relevant in this context, as their involvement pertains more to insurance matters rather than regulatory compliance or law enforcement concerning controlled substances. Therefore, the correct course of action is to report the theft to both the DEA and the SCBOP, ensuring all necessary regulatory and law enforcement protocols are followed. This comprehensive approach helps safeguard the public and maintain the integrity of the controlled substances system.