In situations of lost or stolen controlled substances, what is the primary action required?

When dealing with lost or stolen controlled substances, the primary action required is to notify the Indiana Board of Pharmacy. This requirement aligns with regulatory standards that ensure the safeguarding of controlled substances and the integrity of pharmaceutical practice.

Notifying the Board of Pharmacy is crucial because they need to be aware of potential risks associated with missing controlled substances, which may include misuse or diversion of drugs. Reporting these incidents allows the Board to take necessary measures and helps maintain the regulatory framework that governs the handling of controlled substances.

Other options do not fulfill the legal obligations and could lead to further complications. Waiting until the next inventory audit does not address the immediate concern or requirement to report the loss. Documentation in the pharmacy log, while important for record-keeping, does not satisfy the requirement to inform the Board about a significant event such as theft or loss. Assuming that the substances will be returned is not a proactive approach and ignores the legal and safety implications of handling controlled substances. Therefore, promptly notifying the Board ensures compliance with laws and protective measures for public safety.