When must significant losses of controlled substances be reported?

• A. Within 24 hours of discovery
• B. Within one business day of discovery
• C. Within 7 days
• D. Immediately in writing only

Answer: (B)

Prompt reporting to the regulatory agency within one business day of discovery is required when significant controlled substance losses occur. This timeframe helps ensure rapid communication with authorities to prevent diversion, allow for prompt investigation, and protect public safety. “Discovery” refers to when you first become aware of the loss or theft, not necessarily when the loss happened.

Reporting often begins with a phone notification to the DEA Diversion Field Office followed by a formal written DEA Form 106, but the key timing principle is to act within one business day of discovering the loss. The other options are less accurate: delaying until a calendar day (within 24 hours) can miss the business-day nuance, and waiting to report immediately in writing is overly rigid since initial contact is commonly by phone and must occur within the allowed 1 business day window.