Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

How long must prescriptions be kept on file at the pharmacy according to federal law?

1. 1 year

2. 2 years

3. 3 years

4. 4 years

The correct answer is: 2 years

Under federal law, prescription records must be kept on file at the pharmacy for a minimum of two years. This timeframe is established to ensure that there are sufficient records available for reviewing medication use and monitoring for safety and compliance. Keeping records for this duration allows regulatory authorities to access information as necessary for audits and investigations related to prescription medications, aiding in the prevention of misuse and ensuring patient safety. It's important to note that while federal law dictates a two-year retention period, some states may have their own regulations that require longer retention times, so pharmacists and pharmacy technicians should be aware of both federal and state regulations concerning prescription record keeping.