According to the Controlled Substances Act, which statement is true regarding controlled substances in the office?

The statement that controlled medications should be stored in a locked cabinet aligns with the regulations outlined in the Controlled Substances Act. This act is designed to regulate the manufacturing, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances due to their potential for abuse and dependence.

Storing controlled substances in a locked cabinet helps ensure that only authorized personnel have access to these medications, thereby reducing the risk of theft, misuse, or accidental exposure. Ensuring secure storage is essential for maintaining safety standards in medical offices and complying with legal requirements.

The other choices do not adhere to the regulations set forth in the Controlled Substances Act. For example, storing controlled substances openly would increase the risk of unauthorized access and misuse. While it is true that only licensed healthcare professionals, such as physicians and certain other trained staff, may handle controlled substances, this handling must be performed according to strict guidelines, which do not allow for open access. Immediate disposal is also not a requirement for all controlled substances; the need for disposal depends on specific circumstances rather than a blanket rule.