According to the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, how frequently is a formal controlled item inventory conducted?

The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 mandates that formal controlled substance inventories must be conducted every two years. This requirement is in place to ensure that there is accountability and tracking of controlled substances, which are subject to misuse and diversion. Conducting inventory every two years strikes a balance between maintaining rigorous oversight of these items and allowing for efficient management of pharmaceutical resources.

In contrast, conducting inventories more frequently, such as annually, every six months, or monthly, could place unnecessary administrative burdens on facilities and personnel, while also leading to potential resource wastage without significantly improving oversight of controlled substances. Thus, the two-year interval is established as a standard for compliance and accountability in managing controlled substances.