How long must pharmacy records be stored onsite?

In Oregon, pharmacy records must be maintained onsite for a minimum period of one year. This regulation ensures that records related to prescription dispensing, patient medication records, and other essential documentation are readily accessible for review, audits, or potential investigations. The one-year requirement strikes a balance between regulatory oversight and operational practicality, providing adequate time for the pharmacy to manage and retrieve necessary documentation while also facilitating safety and compliance in patient care.

After one year, pharmacies are generally allowed to transfer records to an offsite location for longer retention, which helps in managing space and resources efficiently while still complying with legal obligations to retain records for extended periods if required by other regulations or circumstances.