What storage method is described for narcotic medications in CVS Pharmacy stores in California?

• A. Time delay safes in every CVS Pharmacy store in the state of California
• B. Time delay safes nationwide
• C. Open shelving
• D. Refrigerated room

Answer: (B)

Time-delay safes provide restricted, auditable access to narcotics and are a standard security measure for controlled substances. In CVS stores, the described approach in California is that time-delay safes are used nationwide, applying the same security policy across all locations rather than limiting it to California alone. This uniform method helps meet DEA and state board requirements by ensuring narcotics are securely stored and not readily accessible, no matter which store a patient or pharmacist is in.

Storing narcotics on open shelves would risk theft or diversion, and a refrigerated room is not the typical requirement for most narcotics in standard pharmacy practice. Limiting time-delay safes to California-only would imply inconsistent security practices regionally, which is not how large chains implement controlled-substance storage.