What are the legal requirements for medical records retention?

In Texas, the legal requirements for medical records retention vary depending on the type of medical records being retained. For general patient medical records, they must be kept for seven years from the date of the last patient encounter, according to the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners. For patient records related to vaccine administration, these must be kept for seven years from the date of administration. Specialized medical records, such as those related to disability or worker’s compensation, must be kept for at least seven years or for the duration of the disability, if that is longer. Mental health records must also be kept for at least seven years, or until the individual reaches the age of 26, whichever is longer. In addition to the legal requirements for medical records retention, it is also important to consider the ethical considerations for keeping patient records confidential. Medical records must be kept private and secure, and all state laws must be followed in regards to what information must be retained and for how long. Furthermore, any requests from patients or their families regarding access to medical records must be handled in a timely and respectful manner.

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What are the legal requirements for medical records retention?

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