How long are medical facilities required to keep records In North Carolina?

Medical records in North Carolina must be retained based on the applicable statutes. The length of time for which medical records are required to be retained varies depending on the type of record. Here are some of the key retention periods:

- Medical records: Medical records, including patient charts, test results, and treatment plans, must be maintained for at least 10 years after the patient's last visit or the patient's death, whichever is later.

- X-rays and other diagnostic images: X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and other diagnostic images must be retained for at least five years after the patient's last visit or the patient's death, whichever is later.

- Psychiatric records: Psychiatric records, including notes from therapy sessions and psychological assessments, must be retained for at least seven years after the patient's last visit or the patient's death, whichever is later.

- Dental records: Dental records, including charts, x-rays, and treatment plans, must be retained for at least seven years after the patient's last visit or the patient's death, whichever is later.

- Records of deceased patients: Medical records of deceased patients must be retained for at least 10 years after the patient's death.

It is important to note that these are just the minimum retention periods. Medical facilities may choose to retain records for a longer period of time, depending on their policies and procedures.

In addition to the state requirements, there may also be federal regulations that require certain medical records to be retained. For example, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires covered entities to retain patient medical records for at least six years after the date of the last treatment or encounter, or for longer if required by state law.