How long must a pharmacy maintain patient records?

Pharmacies are required to maintain patient records for at least two years to comply with various regulations and ensure continuity of care. This timeframe allows for adequate access to patient information for both healthcare providers and regulatory bodies, which can be essential for audits, medication history checks, and other patient care situations. Maintaining records for a minimum of two years also aligns with many state and federal laws regarding medical and pharmaceutical records, which emphasize the importance of record-keeping for patient safety and accountability in medication management. This standard helps ensure that pharmacies can provide comprehensive care and support to patients over an appropriate period.