Dispose Chart Certificate For Free

Although HIPAA doesn't require a particular disposal method, shredding is listed as a proper method for disposing of PHI in the forms of both paper and electronic waste.

If scanned appropriately, the electronic record can legally take the place of the paper record, and the paper record can be destroyed once it is scanned. Like all records, scanned records must be accessible, retrievable, and readable for the full retention period attached to the records.

According to HIPAA, medical records must be kept for either: Six years from their creation; or. Six years from their last use.

In general, examples of proper disposal methods may include, but are not limited to: For PHI in paper records, shredding, burning, pulping, or pulverizing the records so that PHI is rendered essentially unreadable, indecipherable, and otherwise cannot be reconstructed.

In general, examples of proper disposal methods may include, but are not limited to: For PHI in paper records, shredding, burning, pulping, or pulverizing the records so that PHI is rendered essentially unreadable, indecipherable, and otherwise cannot be reconstructed.

If scanned appropriately, the electronic record can legally take the place of the paper record, and the paper record can be destroyed once it is scanned. Like all records, scanned records must be accessible, retrievable, and readable for the full retention period attached to the records.

It appears that most recommendations say 10 years are sufficient, unless you identify a reason to retain the records longer. Whatever you do, make sure you have proper security measures in place to protect the records indefinitely, and consult with your legal counsel on their recommendations.