According to federal law, how many years should a pharmacy store prescription records for Schedule II medications?

Under federal law, pharmacies are required to maintain prescription records for Schedule II medications for a minimum of two years. This duration is stipulated in the Controlled Substances Act, which mandates that all records involving controlled substances must be readily retrievable and kept for a specified period.

This two-year requirement ensures that adequate records are available for regulatory oversight and potential investigations, allowing authorities to track the dispensing of these substances more effectively. Schedule II medications, known for their high potential for abuse and dependence, warrant closer scrutiny and accountability compared to other schedules.

The other options do not align with the established regulations; one year would be insufficient for compliance with federal standards, while five and ten years exceed the federal requirement, although some states may have different requirements that necessitate longer retention periods.