For how many years must records for drug sales be kept in general?

In Minnesota, the regulation requires that all records for drug sales must be maintained for a period of five years. This timeframe is established to ensure that adequate records are available for inspection and review by regulatory authorities, including the Board of Pharmacy. Retaining records for this duration allows for accountability in the distribution of controlled substances and other prescription medications, providing a clear trail for audits that may help identify any issues related to dispensing practices, compliance with laws, or inventory discrepancies.

The five-year retention period is consistent with the general guidelines for pharmacy practice, reflecting the importance of having sufficient documentation in case of legal inquiries or investigations into pharmacy operations. This period balances the need for record-keeping with the understanding that older records may not be as relevant for ongoing compliance reviews.