Who conducts monthly audits of the controlled substances at clinics?

• A. CSAB
• B. DEA
• C. Local Health Authority
• D. Internal Compliance Office

Answer: (A)

Regular, independent verification is essential to keep controlled substances secure and accurately accounted for. The monthly audit is performed by the CSAB because this board is dedicated to overseeing controlled substances inventory, reconciling physical counts with the ledgers, and ensuring proper documentation, secure storage, timely disposal, and regulatory compliance. They review purchase records, dispensing logs, and disposal records, and investigate any variances to prevent diversion and protect patient safety. The DEA handles federal enforcement and inspections, not routine clinic-level monthly checks. A Local Health Authority may set requirements and perform inspections, but the ongoing monthly audit of controlled substances at clinics is typically handled by the CSAB. The Internal Compliance Office may oversee broader compliance programs, but the exam expects CSAB as the responsible body for these routine substance-control audits.