How should Schedule II, controlled substances narcotic medications be stored?

• A. In locked cabinet with a key
• B. In a refrigerator
• C. In a locked drawer
• D. In lock box unlocked medicine cabinet

Answer: (D)

Schedule II narcotics must be kept in a securely locked storage location with access limited to authorized personnel. The standard practice is a locked, sturdy cabinet or safe, often with an additional lock or compartment, so the medications are always secure and accounted for. Only medications that truly require refrigeration should be placed in a refrigerator, otherwise the lockable cabinet is the proper home for them. A drawer that is locked is acceptable only if it’s part of a securely locked system, but simply keeping a box in an unlocked cabinet or leaving a lock box unlocked would not provide adequate protection. The key idea is that these high-risk meds require a locked, controlled-access setup to prevent diversion and to support accurate inventory and regulatory compliance.