A standing order for naloxone issued by a prescriber must be maintained by the pharmacist for how long?

In Virginia, a standing order for naloxone issued by a prescriber must be maintained for a period of two years from the date of the last dispensing. This requirement is part of the state's efforts to ensure that naloxone, an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdoses, is readily accessible and that pharmacists maintain proper records of its distribution.

Maintaining the records for two years helps provide a comprehensive history of dispensing activity related to this critical emergency medication. This timeline supports public health initiatives by ensuring that there is an accurate account of naloxone distributions, facilitating follow-up measures, and potentially informing future public health assessments and interventions concerning opioid use.

By understanding the specific duration that records must be kept, pharmacists can ensure compliance with state regulations, which not only safeguards the pharmacy practice but also reinforces the importance of naloxone availability in combating opioid overdoses.