How long must a pharmacy maintain patient records from the date of the last entry?

The correct answer indicates that a pharmacy must maintain patient records for a period of one year from the date of the last entry. This requirement is grounded in regulations that are designed to ensure that pharmacies keep accurate and accessible records for patient care and safety. Maintaining these records for one year allows healthcare providers to review a patient's medication history and make informed decisions regarding ongoing or future treatments.

The one-year timeframe strikes a balance between allowing enough time for healthcare providers to access relevant information, while not retaining records for an excessively long period, which could pose risks related to confidentiality and data management. It is important for pharmacies to adhere to this standard to comply with both state laws and best practices in patient care.