Ptcb Quiz: Loss Theft Reporting
20 questions · exam conditions
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Loss Theft ReportingQuestion 1 of 20

If a pharmacy spills a recoverable quantity of a controlled substance, what is the appropriate procedure for its disposal?

Report it as a significant loss on DEA Form 106.
Dispose of it in regular trash and note it in the inventory.
Segregate it for destruction and document it on DEA Form 41.
Return it to the manufacturer for credit.
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Ptcb Quiz

Ptcb Quiz: Loss Theft Reporting

Practice Loss Theft Reporting in Ptcb with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Loss Theft Reporting, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for Ptcb.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

If a pharmacy spills a recoverable quantity of a controlled substance, what is the appropriate procedure for its disposal?

  1. Report it as a significant loss on DEA Form 106.
  2. Dispose of it in regular trash and note it in the inventory.
  3. Segregate it for destruction and document it on DEA Form 41. (correct answer)
  4. Return it to the manufacturer for credit.
Explanation: If a spilled controlled substance is recoverable (e.g., tablets on a clean floor), it should not be dispensed. It must be segregated and stored for proper disposal, either on-site or through a reverse distributor. The destruction must be documented on DEA Form 41. It is not considered a "loss" for Form 106 purposes.

Question 2

After submitting a DEA Form 106 for a theft, the pharmacy's investigation reveals the actual quantity stolen was greater than initially reported. What is the correct procedure?

  1. Submit a new, separate DEA Form 106 for the additional amount.
  2. Contact the DEA to amend the previously filed Form 106. (correct answer)
  3. No action is needed as the initial report has been filed.
  4. Document the additional loss on a DEA Form 41.
Explanation: If an investigation yields new information after a DEA Form 106 has been submitted, the pharmacy should contact the local DEA Field Division Office to update the report. Submitting a new form for the same incident can cause confusion. The goal is to provide the DEA with the most accurate information possible about a single theft event.

Question 3

A pharmacy's perpetual inventory log for morphine shows a recurring shortage of a few vials each month. What action does this pattern of loss most likely require?

  1. Reporting each minor shortage on a separate DEA Form 41.
  2. Ignoring the losses as they are not individually significant.
  3. Filing a DEA Form 106, as a pattern of loss can constitute a significant loss. (correct answer)
  4. Switching to a different supplier for morphine.
Explanation: Even if individual losses are small, a recurring pattern of loss can indicate a systemic problem or diversion. The DEA considers such patterns when defining "significant loss." Therefore, this situation requires a thorough investigation and likely reporting on a DEA Form 106.

Question 4

Which DEA form is required to report the theft or significant loss of controlled substances?

  1. DEA Form 41
  2. DEA Form 106 (correct answer)
  3. DEA Form 222
  4. DEA Form 224
Explanation: DEA Form 106, Report of Theft or Loss of Controlled Substances, is the official form used to report such incidents to the Drug Enforcement Administration. DEA Form 41 is for the destruction of controlled substances, DEA Form 222 is for ordering Schedule I and II controlled substances, and DEA Form 224 is for new registration applications for pharmacies.

Question 5

While performing a cycle count, a pharmacy technician discovers that a full stock bottle of zolpidem is missing. What should be the technician's immediate first action?

While performing a cycle count, a pharmacy technician discovers that a full stock bottle of zolpidem is missing. What should be the technician's immediate first action?

  1. File a DEA Form 106 online.
  2. Contact the local police department.
  3. Notify the pharmacist-in-charge immediately. (correct answer)
  4. Wait until the end-of-day reconciliation to see if it turns up.
Explanation: A pharmacy technician's responsibility upon discovering a potential loss of a controlled substance is to immediately bring it to the attention of the pharmacist-in-charge. The pharmacist will then direct the investigation and determine the necessary reporting steps. Technicians do not independently file DEA forms or contact law enforcement.

Question 6

In addition to notifying the DEA, which other agency should a pharmacy typically contact immediately following a theft of controlled substances?

  1. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  2. Local police department (correct answer)
  3. The Joint Commission
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Explanation: Theft is a criminal act. Therefore, in addition to the regulatory requirement to notify the DEA, the pharmacy must also report the theft to the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over their area.

Question 7

During an armed robbery, a significant amount of oxycodone is stolen from a pharmacy. After ensuring everyone is safe and calling 911, what is the pharmacy's most immediate regulatory obligation?

During an armed robbery, a significant amount of oxycodone is stolen from a pharmacy. After ensuring everyone is safe and calling 911, what is the pharmacy's most immediate regulatory obligation?

  1. Conduct a full inventory of all controlled substances.
  2. Wait for the police to file their report before contacting the DEA.
  3. Notify the DEA Field Division Office in writing within one business day. (correct answer)
  4. Submit a completed DEA Form 106 within 24 hours.
Explanation: While a full inventory and completing Form 106 are necessary steps, the most immediate regulatory obligation after a theft is the initial notification. The pharmacy must notify the local DEA Field Division Office of the theft within one business day of discovery, even before the full investigation is complete. The detailed Form 106 follows this initial notification.

Question 8

A pharmacy technician needs to record two different events: the routine on-site destruction of a damaged hydrocodone tablet and the confirmed theft of a bottle of alprazolam. Which forms are required for these two events, respectively?

  1. DEA Form 106 for the destruction; DEA Form 41 for the theft.
  2. DEA Form 41 for the destruction; DEA Form 106 for the theft. (correct answer)
  3. DEA Form 222 for the destruction; DEA Form 106 for the theft.
  4. Both events are reported on a single DEA Form 41.
Explanation: DEA Form 41 is used to document the surrender or destruction of controlled substances. DEA Form 106 is specifically used to report theft or significant loss. The two events are distinct and require separate, specific forms.

Question 9

If a pharmacy chain discovers a theft at one of its retail locations, the report of theft or loss (DEA Form 106) must be sent to the DEA Field Division Office that has jurisdiction over which location?

  1. The pharmacy chain's corporate headquarters.
  2. The DEA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
  3. The retail pharmacy location where the theft occurred. (correct answer)
  4. Any DEA office in the state.
Explanation: The DEA Form 106 must be submitted to the DEA Field Division Office in the area where the registrant (the specific pharmacy location) is located and where the loss or theft occurred, not to a central corporate office or national headquarters.

Question 10

Which of the following pieces of information is required when completing a DEA Form 106 for a stolen medication?

  1. The name of the technician who last handled the medication.
  2. The original purchase order number for the medication.
  3. The National Drug Code (NDC) number of the medication. (correct answer)
  4. The insurance billing code for the medication.
Explanation: DEA Form 106 requires specific details about the lost or stolen substance, including its NDC number, name, dosage form, strength, and quantity. This information is crucial for accurately identifying the product for law enforcement and regulatory tracking.

Question 11

Upon discovering a significant loss of controlled substances, a pharmacy must notify the local DEA Field Division Office in writing within what timeframe?

  1. 24 hours
  2. one business day (correct answer)
  3. three business days
  4. seven calendar days
Explanation: Federal regulations require that upon discovery of a theft or significant loss of controlled substances, a pharmacy must notify its local DEA Field Division Office, in writing, within one business day of the discovery.

Question 12

Which factor is most critical in determining if a loss of controlled substances is considered "significant" and thus reportable to the DEA?

  1. The wholesale acquisition cost of the missing medication.
  2. The quantity of the substance lost in relation to the type of business. (correct answer)
  3. The time of day the loss was discovered.
  4. The number of pharmacy staff on duty when the loss occurred.
Explanation: The DEA lists several factors for determining if a loss is significant, including the quantity lost in relation to business volume, the specific controlled substance lost, whether the loss can be associated with specific individuals, and patterns of losses. The cost of the drug is not considered a primary factor for reporting purposes.

Question 13

A pharmacy needs to dispose of a small quantity of a non-recoverable controlled substance that was spilled on the counter. Which DEA form should be used to document this on-site destruction?

  1. DEA Form 41 (correct answer)
  2. DEA Form 106
  3. DEA Form 222
  4. DEA Form 107
Explanation: DEA Form 41, Registrants Inventory of Drugs Surrendered, is used to document the destruction of controlled substances. A non-recoverable spillage is considered a form of destruction, not a theft or loss that would require a DEA Form 106.

Question 14

A shipment of fentanyl patches from a wholesaler is lost in transit before it reaches the pharmacy. According to federal law, who is primarily responsible for reporting this loss to the DEA?

  1. The pharmacy that placed the order.
  2. The shipping carrier that was transporting the drugs.
  3. The supplier (wholesaler) who shipped the order. (correct answer)
  4. Both the supplier and the pharmacy must file separate reports.
Explanation: For an in-transit loss, the supplier is responsible for reporting the loss to the DEA because the pharmacy has not yet taken custody of the shipment. Once the pharmacy signs for the delivery, any subsequent loss becomes the pharmacy's responsibility to report.

Question 15

Which scenario constitutes a "theft" of controlled substances that must be reported to the DEA?

  1. A pharmacist accidentally drops and breaks a vial of lorazepam.
  2. A patient does not pick up their filled prescription for oxycodone.
  3. An employee is discovered diverting hydrocodone tablets for personal use. (correct answer)
  4. The biennial inventory count is off by one tablet of diazepam.
Explanation: Theft involves the unlawful taking of a substance. Employee diversion is a clear example of theft and must be reported to the DEA. Accidental breakage is documented as destruction, a patient not picking up a prescription is a return-to-stock issue, and a very minor inventory discrepancy may not meet the threshold for "significant loss."

Question 16

When a pharmacy sends expired controlled substances to a reverse distributor, what is the reverse distributor's primary reporting responsibility to the DEA?

  1. To file a DEA Form 106 on behalf of the pharmacy.
  2. To submit a DEA Form 41 after destroying the substances. (correct answer)
  3. To report the transfer to the local police department.
  4. To return the executed DEA Form 222 to the pharmacy.
Explanation: The reverse distributor takes custody of the controlled substances for the purpose of destruction. Once the drugs are destroyed, the reverse distributor is responsible for submitting a DEA Form 41 to the DEA to document that destruction.

Question 17

What is the DEA's preferred method for a pharmacy to submit the Report of Theft or Loss of Controlled Substances (DEA Form 106)?

  1. By certified mail to the local DEA Field Office.
  2. By fax to the DEA Registration Unit.
  3. Electronically via the DEA's online portal. (correct answer)
  4. In person at the nearest DEA office.
Explanation: The DEA encourages electronic submission of Form 106 through its Theft/Loss Reporting (TLR) online portal. This is the fastest and most efficient way to report, ensuring immediate documentation and receipt by the agency.

Question 18

According to federal law, for what minimum period must a pharmacy maintain all records related to the loss, theft, and destruction of controlled substances, including copies of DEA Forms 106 and 41?

  1. One year
  2. Two years (correct answer)
  3. Five years
  4. Indefinitely
Explanation: The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requires that all records concerning controlled substances, including inventory, dispensing, and reports of loss, theft, or destruction, must be maintained and be readily retrievable for at least two years for inspection and copying by DEA officials.

Question 19

According to federal regulations, who is authorized to witness the on-site destruction of controlled substances in a pharmacy?

  1. Any two pharmacy employees.
  2. A pharmacist and a local law enforcement officer.
  3. A pharmacist and another authorized employee. (correct answer)
  4. A DEA agent must be present.
Explanation: The on-site destruction of controlled substances must be witnessed by at least two authorized individuals from the registrant's facility, one of whom should be in a supervisory role, such as the pharmacist-in-charge. This ensures proper procedure and documentation on DEA Form 41.

Question 20

A pharmacy notes missing controlled substances and suspects employee diversion; what is the best federal reporting action?

  1. Submit DEA Form 222 to cancel prior controlled-substance orders
  2. Handle internally only; diversion suspicions are not reportable
  3. Submit DEA Form 41 because diversion is a destruction event
  4. Notify DEA immediately if significant, and submit DEA Form 106 (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests the understanding of federal requirements for reporting the loss, theft, and destruction of controlled substances, focusing on actions for suspected diversion and compliance with DEA regulations. The concept involves knowing the specific forms and timelines required by the DEA to ensure legal compliance and prevent misuse of controlled substances. In the provided scenario, the passage outlines notifying DEA and submitting Form 106 if the loss is significant. The correct answer is valid because it aligns with DEA's specified procedure, ensuring reporting and legal protection for the pharmacy. A common misconception might be handling internally only, leading to compliance failures. To help pharmacy technicians, emphasize the importance of familiarizing themselves with DEA forms and reporting timelines. Encouraging regular training sessions on regulatory updates can prevent errors and ensure adherence to legal requirements.