Which of the following describes a permissible secured enclosure for Schedule III–V substances?

• A. Alarmed cage.
• B. Unlocked display case.
• C. Open shelving in a hallway.
• D. Personal home safe.

Answer: (A)

Storing Schedule III–V controlled substances requires a locked, tamper‑resistant enclosure with monitoring to deter theft and provide accountability. An alarmed cage fits this requirement because it is a sturdy, locked containment that can be secured in place, and the alarm adds real-time notification of any entry. This combination meets the security standards for controlled substances while still being practical for a pharmacy setting.

An unlocked display case, open shelving, or a personal home safe do not meet these security expectations in a pharmacy context. The unlocked case and open shelving allow easy access, increasing the risk of diversion, and a home safe isn’t appropriate for on-site storage controlled by a licensed facility.