News & Knowledge Risk Management Guide: Medical Record Destruction and Disposal The life cycle of a medical record does not end until information has been destroyed. According to the American Health Information Association (AHIMA), destruction is a key component of the record retention program because it completes the life cycle of a record. Due to storage capacity, fiscal restraints, and legal constraints, most organizations and clinicians cannot maintain records indefinitely. Before destroying medical records, review recommended retention guidelines. HIPAA requirement related to destruction and disposal The HIPAA Privacy Rule requires that covered entities apply appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the privacy of protected health information (PHI) in any form. Covered entities… Are you a Curi member? The full content of this resource is available only to Curi members. Contact us if you are a member but do not have an account yet, or to learn more about becoming a Curi member. Sign in with Curi - or - Sign in with Constellation Curi’s risk mitigation resources and guidance are offered for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not medical or legal advice, does not replace independent professional judgment, does not constitute an endorsement of any kind, should not be deemed authoritative, and does not establish a standard of care in clinical settings or in courts of law. If you need legal advice, you should consult your independent/corporate counsel. We have found that using risk mitigation efforts can reduce malpractice risk; however, we do not make any guarantees that following these risk recommendations will prevent a complaint, claim, or suit from occurring, or mitigate the outcome(s) associated with any of them. READ NEXT November 21, 2024Clinical Care | Hospitals/Health Systems | Risk Management *New* Curi Risk Report: Reducing Surgical Adverse Events Malpractice claims data-informed reports for clinicians, hospitals, and senior living organizations with insights to help mitigate adverse events and malpractice claims. Read more November 21, 2024Clinical Care | Hospitals/Health Systems | Risk Management | Senior Living *New* Curi Risk Report: Reducing Resident Adverse Events Malpractice claims data-informed reports for clinicians, hospitals, and senior living organizations with insights to help mitigate adverse events and malpractice claims. Read more November 21, 2024November 21, 2024Clinical Care | Hospitals/Health Systems | Risk Management *New* Curi Risk Report: Reducing Adverse Events in Radiology Malpractice claims data-informed reports for clinicians, hospitals, and senior living organizations with insights to help mitigate adverse events and malpractice claims. Read more