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My medical3/21/2023 ![]() ![]() However, the information inside the medical record belongs to the patient. Medical records are the property of the doctor, healthcare professional, hospital, or whoever created the record. However, this record keeping is beneficial for patients as well. Electronic records must meet standards for “creation, maintenance, security, disposition and recovery”Īs noted by the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA), the principal reason physicians should maintain patient records for this length of time and according to these rules is to defend themselves if they are sued for malpractice.Physical records must be “typed or legibly written in ink and filed in suitable systematic permanent form such as books, binders, files, cards or folders”.The “date of the service rendered, type of service and charge made”.A “clear record of the specifics of any treatment, recommendation, medication and follow-up plan”.“he patient’s name, gender, personal health number, date of birth, address and dates of attendance”.Clinical patient records must include the following:.Patient medical records must be kept in English.The date the patient reaches the age of majority (19 years old)ĭoctors in British Columbia must also meet additional requirements in their record keeping, including:.The patient’s last visit to the practice.The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia requires doctors to retain patient medical records for a minimum of 16 years from whichever of these dates comes first: How Long Will Doctors Keep Medical Records? Parents should do the same with their children’s medical records, as malpractice claims can in some cases be brought within 15 years of the child’s 19th birthday if a medical injury occurred when the child was underage. Therefore, patients should keep all medical records for at least 15 years. ![]() As a result, the time limit for medical malpractice claims may be extended past the basic limitation period – up to 15 years after the date that the patient suffered injury due to a medical error. However, medical malpractice claims are unique in that patients do not always discover the injury until many years after a healthcare provider’s error. (Two years is the basic limitation period in British Columbia for injury claims, including medical malpractice.) At minimum, this means you should keep medical records for at least two years after the treatment that you believe resulted in your injury. For other types of care, it is beneficial to keep medical records on hand in case some type of problem arises – up to and including injury as a result of a doctor’s malpractice.Īs a general rule, patients should keep their medical records for the duration of the period in which they can bring legal action against a medical provider. Some medical records should be kept indefinitely, such as those related to major surgery or the birth of a child. Given the information in these records, it is easy to see why medical records are a cornerstone in any medical malpractice claim.īut how long should you hold onto your medical records? And how long will doctors, hospitals, and other providers keep your records on file? How Long Should Personal Medical Records Be Kept? ![]() Medical records document many important aspects of a patient’s health and medical history, including test results, plan of care, medications prescribed, treatments performed, and much more. Physicians and healthcare professionals are legally required to document and maintain accurate, comprehensive medical records in order to provide patients with the best possible care. ![]()
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