For how long should a collaborative practice agreement be maintained?

The requirement for maintaining a collaborative practice agreement for a period of 10 years aligns with established practices and regulations in pharmacy law. A collaborative practice agreement is a formal arrangement between a pharmacist and other healthcare providers that delineates the responsibilities of each party concerning patient care services.

Maintaining these agreements for 10 years ensures that there is a comprehensive record of the clinical services provided, which is essential for both monitoring compliance with the terms of the agreement and for legal documentation purposes. This timeframe allows for a thorough review if needed, should there be any patient care issues, audits, or legal inquiries into the collaborative practice.

Adhering to this 10-year retention policy promotes accountability and supports the delivery of safe and effective pharmaceutical care by enabling pharmacists to refer back to the foundational agreements that guide their practice.