Which of the following records is NOT required to be maintained by pharmacies?

The correct answer is that deleted patient records are not required to be maintained by pharmacies. In general, pharmacies are obligated to keep certain records that are essential for ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, maintaining accountability, and facilitating patient care.

Initial inventories, for example, are critical records that demonstrate the starting quantity of controlled substances on hand at the pharmacy. This inventory must be conducted and documented when a pharmacy opens and at regular intervals thereafter to comply with regulations.

Invoices for Schedule III to V controlled substances also need to be maintained to track the acquisition and dispensing of these drugs. This helps in preventing diversion and ensuring that these substances are appropriately managed.

Power of Attorney authorization is required if a pharmacy appoints an individual to manage ordering controlled substances on behalf of the pharmacy. This document is vital to establish legal authority and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

In contrast, while pharmacies do maintain patient records for operational and legal reasons, there is no requirement to keep records of deleted patient files, as they are not considered part of the necessary documentation for regulatory oversight or patient care. This aligns with privacy concerns, which dictate that once patient records are securely deleted, they do not need to be retained further.