What is the duration that a prescription must be kept after the last dispensing?

In Tennessee, the duration for which a prescription record must be maintained after the last dispensing is two years. This is in line with the requirements set forth by state laws and regulations governing pharmacy practice. Keeping prescription records for this length of time ensures that there is adequate documentation available for any potential audits, inquiries regarding medication history, or patient safety issues.

This period allows healthcare providers to access patient medication records while balancing the need for privacy and confidentiality. Retaining records for two years makes it easier to provide appropriate follow-up care, especially in the case of long-term treatments or when monitoring therapeutic outcomes.

Maintaining records for shorter durations, such as one year, would not provide sufficient time for these necessary practices. Keeping records indefinitely would impose unnecessary burdens on pharmacies and not be practical given the need for space and efficiency in record-keeping. Therefore, two years strikes a balance between accessibility and practicality in record management.