Which of the following is an essential responsibility of a pharmacy technician regarding controlled substances?

Maintaining inventory records is an essential responsibility of a pharmacy technician regarding controlled substances. This task is crucial because controlled substances are regulated by federal and state laws due to their potential for abuse and dependency. Accurate inventory records help ensure that all controlled substances are accounted for, preventing potential diversion or misuse. Pharmacy technicians are often responsible for documenting the receipt, storage, dispensing, and disposal of these medications, which contributes to compliance with legal regulations and helps maintain the integrity of the pharmacy's operations.

In contrast, while compounding medications and providing patient counseling are important functions within a pharmacy, they do not specifically address the regulatory aspects associated with controlled substances. Additionally, prescribing medications is outside the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians and is typically reserved for licensed practitioners, such as doctors and nurse practitioners. Therefore, maintaining inventory records is the most relevant and vital responsibility mentioned in the context of managing controlled substances.