What action should be taken in case of theft or significant loss of prescription drugs?

In situations involving theft or significant loss of prescription drugs, the appropriate course of action is to immediately report the incident to the Board of Pharmacy. This is crucial for several reasons. First, the Board is responsible for regulating pharmacies and ensuring public safety, and timely reporting allows them to take necessary actions to address the situation, such as investigating the theft or loss to safeguard against potential misuse of the medications.

Additionally, reporting promptly helps protect the pharmacy's license and demonstrates compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Delaying the report or only notifying the pharmacy owner does not fulfill the obligation to inform regulatory authorities that oversee pharmacy operations and medication safety.

The other options, such as reporting to local news media or waiting a specific period before reporting, do not align with the legal and professional responsibilities of pharmacy operations and could lead to greater risks regarding patient safety and public health. Therefore, immediate reporting to the Board is the correct and responsible action to take in these circumstances.