According to regulatory guidelines, how long must written directives be kept by the NRC?

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) mandates that written directives related to the administration of radioactive materials must be retained for a minimum of 3 years. This requirement ensures that there is a clear record of all procedures and protocols followed during the administration of radiopharmaceuticals, which is essential for safety, compliance, and accountability in radiopharmacy practice. Keeping these records for at least 3 years supports proper oversight and provides valuable information in case of audits, inspections, or any necessary review of the administration practices. The 3-year retention period strikes a balance between maintaining adequate documentation for regulatory purposes while not imposing an excessively long record-keeping burden on institutions.