Can prescriptions be destroyed after scanning and storing electronically?

MOST prescriptions may be destroyed after scanning and storing, as long as all notes made on the prescription are captured in the colour scan. As per Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act Bylaws s.23.3(1): “A pharmacy may maintain electronic records containing personal health information if the pharmacy has the equipment, software and systems necessary for the input, storage, use, protection and retrieval of records that are required to be kept under bylaws of the college or other legislation that regulates the practice of pharmacy.”

However, if the pharmacy has received an original or a faxed Controlled Prescription Program (CPP) form, then it must be retained, regardless of whether the form has been stored electronically.

It is also recommended that pharmacies confirm with other parties such as Pharmacare and third-party insurers to ensure retention requirements for audit purposes are met.