Pharmacists are required to maintain a record of the acquisition and dispensation of POM‑V and POM‑VPS medicines. Which statement about recording keeping is correct?

• A. Records must be kept exclusively in a central database
• B. Records are optional for private prescriptions
• C. Pharmacists can either keep all documents that show the required information or make appropriate records in a private prescription book
• D. Records must be destroyed after 2 years

Answer: (C)

Keeping records for POM-V and POM-VPS medicines ensures a clear trail from supplier to patient, which is essential for safety, audits, and accountability. The best approach recognizes flexibility in how that trail is kept: you can either retain all documents that show the required information (such as supplier invoices, delivery notes, and prescription records) or you can record the necessary details in a private prescription book. Either method provides a complete record of acquisitions and disposals, so long as the essential information—dates, medicine name and strength, quantities, supplier, prescriber, and patient details—is captured. This avoids tying you to a single format like a central database, while still satisfying regulatory needs. Records are not optional for private prescriptions; they apply to all POM-V and POM-VPS transactions. Destruction after a fixed period like 2 years is not correct, as you must retain records for the minimum required period (commonly at least 2 years after the last entry) and in line with local guidance.