According to FBON recommendations, how long should a licensee retain records for continuing education or in-services?

The appropriate retention period for records of continuing education or in-service training as recommended by the Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) is four to six years. This duration allows for adequate verification of compliance with continuing education requirements, which is essential for maintaining licensure and ensuring that nursing professionals remain current with their knowledge and skills.

Retaining these records for four to six years ensures that the licensee can provide proof of their continuing education if there is ever an audit or inquiry into their educational credentials. This timeframe aligns with the general guidelines provided by nursing regulatory bodies to support both accountability and professional development within the nursing community.

Shorter retention periods, such as one or two years, would not sufficiently cover potential auditing periods or the need for historical compliance verification. Retaining records indefinitely may not be practical or necessary, as it could lead to excessive clutter and management challenges, especially as the requirements for continuing education could evolve over time. Thus, adhering to the four to six-year retention period strikes a balance between compliance and practicality.