What must be maintained for a period of 3 years following dispensing?

Dispensing records must be maintained for a period of 3 years following dispensing as they are critical for ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as for providing continuity of care. These records include detailed information about each prescription dispensed, including the medication name, dosage, quantity, patient information, and the prescriber. This retention period enables regulatory bodies and pharmacies to conduct audits, verify prescriptions, and address potential questions regarding patient safety and medication use.

In contrast, pharmacy inventory records, patient consent forms, and pharmacist's training certificates may have different retention requirements based on specific regulations or policies but are not universally mandated to be kept for 3 years after dispensing. Therefore, the emphasis on dispensing records aligns with the need for accountability and traceability in medication management.