Final answer:
Pharmacists must retain prescription records for a period defined by state law for purposes including patient safety and controlled substance tracking. The FDA regulates pharmacy medicines to ensure safety and efficacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pharmacist is required to retain the records of every prescription filled, compounded, or dispensed for a specific period, which is often determined by state law and can vary. Typically, this period can range from a couple of years to indefinitely. These regulations are in place to ensure patient safety, maintain accurate pharmaceutical records, and allow for the effective tracking of controlled substances. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the medicines that pharmacies are allowed to sell to ensure safety and efficacy. Compliance with these regulations is a crucial aspect of a pharmacist's career focus and requires a broad knowledge of chemistry and biology.