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News & Knowledge

North Carolina Handbook: Record Retention

HOW LONG DO WE HAVE TO KEEP OUR MEDICAL RECORDS?

Laws and regulations that affect medical record retention vary by state. There is no law or statute in North Carolina that mandates how long private medical offices must keep medical records, with one exception: medical offices licensed as ambulatory surgical facilities must maintain medical records for a minimum of 20 years. Medical Mutual’s practical advice on retention stems from: (1) the application of the statutes of limitations on medical malpractice actions; and (2) the stated retention periods for other healthcare facilities. The following retention schedule is based on those two factors:
Adult patients: 11 years from last contact.
Minor patients (under 18 years of age):
  1. If any…

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.

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