How long must prescription records be kept under federal law and Ohio law respectively?

Under federal law, prescription records must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the last prescription fill. This requirement is established by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations which outline the recordkeeping practices for controlled substances. The rationale behind a two-year retention period is to allow enough time for authorities to review the records in case of audits or investigations related to the dispensing of controlled substances.

In Ohio, the law mandates that prescription records be kept for three years from the date of the last dispensing. This extended period allows for additional accountability and helps ensure that patient medication histories are accessible for a longer time, which can be crucial for patient safety and continuity of care.

The disparity between federal and state record retention requirements highlights the importance of being aware of both sets of regulations, as pharmacists and pharmacies must comply with the stricter of the two. Thus, while federal law allows a minimum retention of two years, Ohio law requires a longer retention period of three years, aligning with the trend toward more comprehensive patient care and safety measures.