News & Knowledge Virginia Handbook: Record Retention HOW LONG DO WE HAVE TO KEEP OUR MEDICAL RECORDS? Curi’s first and best advice on record retention is that medical records from all sources be kept in their original form forever. However, we recognize that this is not practical for most medical offices, especially if the practice maintains paper records. Laws and regulations that affect medical record retention vary by state. According to Virginia law (VA Code 54.1-2910.4), physicians must keep records for a minimum of six years from the last patient encounter but not more than 12 years from date the record was created, with the following exceptions: Minor’s records, including immunizations, must be maintained until the child reaches the age of 18 or becomes emancipated, with a minimum time… 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 to see full post 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 March 25, 2024March 27, 2024Continuing Medical Education (CME) | Health Policy *NEW* HIPAA Privacy Update In this presentation, Becky Lowman discusses how to develop policies and procedures that comply with individual rights under the HIPAA Privacy Rule and how to implement strategies to avoid an enforcement action by the Office of Civil Rights. Additionally, the learners will learn how to mitigate risks associated with non-compliance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule Read more March 4, 2024March 4, 2024Continuing Medical Education (CME) | Health Policy *NEW* Electronic Communications & HIPAA: Frequently Asked Questions In this presentation, Becky Lowman discusses how to keep ePHI secure in electronic transmission and storage and how to develop and apply policies and procedures that ensure secure transmissions of ePHI. This program also aims to improve learner’s competence in knowing how to develop and implement strategies to mitigate the risks associated with electronic communications. Read more September 11, 2020February 24, 2023Electronic Communication & Social Media | Medical Records | Patient Management Florida Handbook: Electronic Communication and Documentation DOES THE PRIVACY RULE PERMIT ME TO COMMUNICATE WITH PATIENTS USING ELECTRONIC (EMAIL)? The HIPAA Privacy Rule allows covered entities to communicate electronically, provided they use… Read more