What is a critical surveillance practice for pharmacies according to laws?

Temperature control is a critical surveillance practice for pharmacies as it directly impacts the safety and efficacy of medications, particularly those that are temperature-sensitive, such as vaccines and certain biologics. Maintaining appropriate storage conditions is not only a legal requirement but also essential for ensuring that medications retain their effectiveness throughout their shelf life. Failing to adhere to temperature control protocols can lead to compromised products, resulting in harm to patients and liability for the pharmacy.

While monitoring medication sales, maintaining inventory levels, and collecting customer feedback are all important practices in their own right, they do not have the same immediate impact on the integrity of medication as temperature control does. Proper temperature management safeguards the quality of pharmaceuticals, thereby protecting public health and adhering to regulatory standards.