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 September 24, 2024October 3, 2024Clinical Care | Hospitals/Health Systems | Practice Management | Risk Management *New* Team Physicians: Managing Professional Liability Risks CONTRACTS Risks: Informal relationships may lead to the unwitting establishment of physician-patient relationships and misunderstandings about physicians’ responsibilities. The practice may incur significant expenses if co-branding… Read more September 12, 2024October 3, 2024Clinical Care | Early Intervention | Hospitals/Health Systems | Risk Management | Senior Living Disclosure of Adverse Events Communicating with patients, residents, and families after an unexpected adverse outcome can be difficult. Proactive disclosure of an adverse outcome through the Communication and Optimal Resolution… Read more August 20, 2024October 3, 2024Early Intervention | Hospitals/Health Systems | Risk Management | Senior Living *New* HEAL Toolkit: Communicating After an Adverse Outcome The following resources provide a comprehensive approach to managing adverse outcomes. They cover essential areas such as effective team communication, supportive leadership, and robust investigation processes… Read more