How often should audits of controlled drug logs be performed in companion animal facilities?

Audits of controlled drug logs in companion animal facilities should ideally be performed annually to ensure compliance with regulations and maintain accountability in the handling of controlled substances. This frequency strikes a balance between thorough oversight and practical workload considerations.

Conducting annual audits allows facilities to effectively monitor their usage, identify discrepancies, and ensure that proper protocols are being followed without overwhelming staff with excessive administrative tasks. While more frequent audits, such as weekly or monthly, might catch issues sooner, they can be impractical for many facilities and may not necessarily lead to significant improvements in compliance. Bi-annual audits provide a middle ground but may still miss timely identification of potential discrepancies or misuse in between those two audits.

Annual audits also align with many best practices recommended in veterinary medicine for documenting and managing controlled substances effectively, allowing for both regulatory compliance and the safe management of medications.