Which set of guidelines must pharmacy technicians follow while handling controlled substances?

Pharmacy technicians must follow DEA regulations when handling controlled substances because the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) establishes the legal framework for the management, distribution, and secure handling of these medications. This includes procedures for proper inventory management, record-keeping, storage requirements, and protocols for disposing of controlled substances.

DEA regulations are vital to ensuring that controlled substances are used appropriately, preventing misuse and abuse, and maintaining public safety. These regulations also include guidelines for licensing and registering entities that handle controlled substances and the carrying out of oversight measures to monitor compliance, ensuring that pharmacies adhere to legal requirements when dispensing these medications.

While the other options, such as HIPAA regulations and OSHA standards, focus on patient privacy and workplace safety respectively, they do not specifically address the management of controlled substances. Therefore, understanding and adhering to DEA regulations is essential for pharmacy technicians in maintaining compliance and protecting public health.