How long must medical records be retained from the date of discharge?

The retention requirement for medical records is significant for ensuring continuity of care and legal compliance. In the context of the choice indicating a five-year retention period, this aligns with many regulatory practices where healthcare providers are obligated to maintain patient records for a minimum of five years from the date of discharge. This timeframe allows sufficient access to patient history for follow-up care, potential legal considerations, and administrative purposes.

Retaining records for five years strikes a balance between the need for record-keeping and practical limitations on storage and management. In many jurisdictions, including under COMAR regulations, this duration reflects a consensus on what is necessary for patient safety and care quality, while also considering the legal and financial aspects of recordkeeping.

In contrast, shorter retention periods could compromise patient care and operational efficiency, while longer periods could be seen as excessively burdensome in terms of storage and management resources. The five-year standard serves as a reasonable guideline that supports patient care continuity and legal protections for both providers and patients.