How long does a medical facility keep your records?

Medical records retention periods can vary depending on the laws and regulations of the state or country in which the facility is located, as well as the type and specialty of the medical facility. Here's a general overview of how long medical records may be kept:

1. Active Records: While a patient is actively receiving care at a medical facility, their medical records will be considered active and accessible to the healthcare team providing treatment.

2. Transferred or Declined Care Records: If a patient transfers their care to another medical facility or declines further care, some records may be transferred or shared with the new provider upon patient authorization or as allowed by law.

3. Inactive Records: After a patient's care is completed or discontinued, their medical records may be considered inactive and stored in a secure location. The facility will typically retain these inactive records for a specific period as determined by local laws, regulations, or institutional policies.

4. Minimum Retention Periods: In many jurisdictions, medical facilities are required to maintain medical records for a minimum amount of time. This period can range from several years to decades.

5. Statutory Limitations: In some cases, medical records may be subject to specific legal requirements or statutory limitations regarding the retention period. For instance, certain records may need to be retained for longer periods in some malpractice cases.

6. Professional Standards: Healthcare organizations may also follow voluntary professional standards or accreditation requirements regarding medical records retention.

7. Patient Request: In some jurisdictions, patients may have the right to request a copy of their medical records or to have their records destroyed or removed after a certain time.

It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and regulations can vary significantly between different jurisdictions and regions. Patients should consult with the medical facility or contact the relevant healthcare authorities to inquire about the specific record retention policies and practices at their healthcare provider.