How many years of records must pharmacies retain for prescriptions?

• A. At least one year
• B. At least two years
• C. At least three years
• D. At least five years

Answer: (B)

Pharmacies are required to retain prescription records for at least two years. This requirement is typically defined by various regulatory bodies to ensure that there is sufficient information available for audits, investigations, and for the overall oversight of prescription medication management. Retaining records for this duration helps maintain patient safety, facilitates accurate medication dispensing, and supports the monitoring of medication use trends.

The two-year period aligns with federal and state regulations that aim to balance the need for record-keeping with the operational capabilities of pharmacies. It ensures that there is a reasonable time frame to retrieve records for verification and reference, particularly in cases involving inquiries into patient medication histories or prescription errors.