How long must a pharmacist keep patient records related to drug therapy modification?

In the context of Georgia pharmacy law, pharmacists are required to maintain patient records that include documentation related to drug therapy modifications for a specific period. The duration for which these records must be kept is typically aligned with the statute of limitations for malpractice actions, which is often set at 10 years. This requirement ensures that a comprehensive history of a patient's medication therapy is available for review and accountability, especially in the event of a dispute or the review of patient care.

By retaining these records for a full 10 years, pharmacists can provide evidence of their clinical decision-making processes and modifications made to a patient’s drug therapy. This retention period supports patient safety and continuity of care, allowing for informed decisions by current health care providers based on the patient's historical treatments.

Other options do not meet this legal requirement, as they suggest shorter retention periods that are inconsistent with the regulations governing patient recordkeeping in pharmacy practice.