Where must the signed copy of the immunization questionnaire and consent form be maintained?

The signed copy of the immunization questionnaire and consent form must be maintained in the pharmacy where the administering pharmacist is employed. This requirement ensures that all documentation pertinent to the immunization process is readily accessible at the location where the service is provided. By keeping these records on-site, the pharmacy ensures compliance with legal and regulatory standards, which may require immediate access to patient consent and immunization history for auditing or review purposes.

Other options may not meet the practical and legal requirements for document retention. For instance, maintaining records in the patient's medical record could complicate access and may not align with specific pharmacy regulations that govern the responsibilities of the pharmacy itself. Likewise, storing the forms at the state health department or in a digital database could hinder the pharmacist's ability to quickly retrieve this information when needed for follow-up care or during an inspection. Therefore, keeping the signed forms within the pharmacy provides a feasible solution for both operational efficiency and adherence to applicable laws.