Which document is essential for ensuring compliance with controlled substances regulations in a medical facility?

The controlled substances log is essential for ensuring compliance with regulations governing the use, storage, and disposal of controlled substances in a medical facility. This log provides a detailed record of all transactions involving controlled substances, including who accessed them, the quantities used, and the purposes for their use.

Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date log is critical for various reasons. It helps ensure accountability and traceability, making it easier to monitor activities involving these substances and preventing misuse or diversion. Regulatory bodies often require medical facilities to keep such logs to demonstrate compliance and adherence to safety protocols.

In contrast, while an inventory report helps track the stock of controlled substances, it does not necessarily provide the level of detail regarding usage that a controlled substances log does. A policy manual outlines the facility's overall procedures and guidelines but does not serve as a direct record of transactions. Lastly, a purchase order simply documents procurement activity, which is important but does not provide ongoing monitoring of how substances are handled within the facility.