What must pharmacies maintain concerning hazardous drugs?

Pharmacies must maintain an accurate inventory of hazardous drugs on hand to ensure proper handling and compliance with safety regulations. This requirement is part of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) 800 guidelines, which focus on minimizing exposure to hazardous drugs and protecting healthcare workers, patients, and the environment.

Maintaining an accurate inventory allows pharmacies to track the quantity and location of hazardous drugs, ensuring that they are stored and disposed of appropriately. This careful inventory management helps prevent stockouts, reduces waste, and ensures that proper safety protocols are followed. Furthermore, an accurate inventory is essential for regulatory compliance and can assist in audits or inspections by health authorities.

The other options do not provide the necessary standards for managing hazardous drugs. An outdated list does not reflect current stock, while a loose inventory lacks the necessary accountability and could lead to exposure risks. Similarly, maintaining only minimal records of high-value drugs does not comprehensively ensure the safety of all hazardous drugs in the pharmacy.