How frequently must a complete audit of all activity be performed for a night cabinet?

In a pharmacy setting, a night cabinet is often used to store medications that need to be accessible for administration during night shifts, particularly in hospital environments. The requirement for auditing this cabinet is crucial to maintain patient safety and ensure proper inventory control, as well as to prevent diversion and ensure the medications are being used appropriately.

Performing a complete audit of all activity once a month aligns with best practices for medication management. This frequency allows for regular oversight to detect and address any discrepancies, ensure proper documentation, and confirm that inventory levels are accurate. Monthly audits help in identifying any potential issues in a timely manner, which is essential for compliance with state and federal regulations that govern pharmacy operations.

Less frequent audits, like quarterly or annually, might not provide enough oversight to catch issues as they arise, potentially leading to increased risk of errors or misuse. More frequent audits, such as weekly, may be excessive for most systems, causing unnecessary administrative burden. Thus, a monthly audit balances the need for oversight without being too cumbersome.