For how long must prescription drug order records be maintained?

Prescription drug order records must be maintained for a minimum of two years. This requirement is established to ensure that healthcare providers and pharmacists can verify medication therapies, support audits, and ensure the safety and efficacy of drug use. Having two years' worth of records helps in tracking patient histories, reviewing trends in medication dispensing, and provides necessary documentation in case of disputes or investigations into medication use.

Maintaining records for this duration allows for compliance with standard practices in the healthcare system, ensuring that there is enough time to access pertinent information for patient care, regulatory reviews, or audits by authorities. This time frame aligns with national standards seen in various federal regulations and guidelines that govern pharmacy practice.