Final answer:
The retention period for hard copies of prescription orders from a foreign country varies based on local laws, but in the U.S., the DEA typically requires records to be maintained for at least two years from the date of the last fill.
Step-by-step explanation:
The requirement for maintaining hard copies of prescription orders from a foreign country is determined by the regulations of the specific country where the pharmacy practice is located. In the United States, for instance, the rules can differ depending on state laws and the regulations of federal agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Generally, for controlled substances, the DEA requires that records be kept for at least two years from the date of the last fill. However, it's important for pharmacies to check their local regulations as the required period can be longer in some jurisdictions.