Who may inspect controlled substance inventories during regulatory inspections?

• A. Local dentist.
• B. Public at large.
• C. Department of Health and Hospitals, Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Board of Dentistry.
• D. Local health inspectors.

Answer: (C)

Inspections of controlled-substance inventories are conducted by authorities that have both regulatory and enforcement power over controlled substances. In Louisiana, that team includes the Department of Health and Hospitals, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry. These agencies have the statutory authority to review records, inventory counts, purchase logs, security measures, and disposal practices as part of regulatory inspections to prevent diversion and ensure proper stewardship of controlled substances. Local health inspectors or individual dentists do not have the same formal authority to perform these inspections, and the general public does not participate in regulatory inspections. The federal DEA handles federal drug laws, while the state department (DHH) and the state board oversee state-regulated practices and licensure in dentistry, working together to oversee controlled-substance compliance.