Final answer:
Significant losses of controlled substances, defined as 20 items or more, must be reported to the DEA using their specific reporting procedure to maintain compliance with federal regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question deals with the legal requirements for reporting significant losses of controlled substances. In the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) mandates that any significant losses or thefts of controlled substances be reported to them. A significant loss is typically defined by the quantity of the controlled substances missing. If a registrant, such as a pharmacy or medical facility, identifies a loss of controlled substances that includes 20 items or more, they are required to file a report with the DEA. This is done using DEA Form 106, which is designed for reporting the theft or loss of controlled substances.
It is critically important for these entities to maintain accurate records and secure handling of controlled substances to prevent diversion and misuse. Non-compliance with these reporting requirements can result in serious legal consequences, including loss of the ability to handle controlled substances and potential criminal charges.
Any significant loss of controlled substances, involving 20 items or more, must be reported to the DEA using Form 106 to comply with federal regulations and prevent legal penalties.