Medical Records Retention Laws

Retaining medical records is a requirement regulated by a few different authorities. This video gives a high-level overview of the topic and presents some things to consider in your practice. Below, you will find web resources that also provide more information. The best place to look is on your State's website, CMS website for their requirements, etc. as going to the source is always best. Third-party sites are helpful, but remember they could be outdated or incorrect.
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* State of Oregon: This is to show where Oregon's guidance is provided, hoping to show where you can look on your State's website.
www.oregon.gov/omb/Topics-of-...
* A third-party website providing links and information by state:
www.harmonyhit.com/where-do-i...
* Another third-party website:
recordinglaw.com/medical-reco...
* CMS MLN Fact Sheet from April 2022:
www.cms.gov/files/document/ml...
* The Doctors Company- a professional liability company and their recommendations on the topic:
www.thedoctors.com/articles/m...
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[@MrJamesVanEngen]

I think we as Americans need to abandon state law requirements for medical record retention, and implement a federal guideline that is more fair, rational, and just as standard practice(s). Thank you for your educational video! 🙂

[@navigatingthebusinessofmed8251]

I couldn’t agree more! The more we can federally standardize these types of things, the easier it will be for everyone. Thank you for watching!

[@Georgesanchez1738]

Can we ask to have our medical records destroyed after the retention period ends?

[@navigatingthebusinessofmed8251]

Yes, absolutely! Many clinics will hire a certified shred company who can destroy the records by compliance requirements and then give a certificate of destruction to keep for documentation purposes. Electronic records are a little more difficult because of the way the EMRs work. I’m sure your EMR company could advise how to destroy those, although most people just mark old patients as “inactive” since storage is so much easier compared to physical paper charts. Thanks for watching!