What is the proper way to destroy medical records?

What is the proper way to destroy medical records?

Common destruction methods are:

  1. Burning, shredding, pulping, and pulverizing for paper records.
  2. Pulverizing for microfilm or microfiche, laser discs, document imaging applications.
  3. Magnetic degaussing for computerized data.
  4. Shredding or cutting for DVDs.
  5. Demagnetizing magnetic tapes.

Why medical records are discarded?

3. Protected Health Information (PHI) Medical records contain sensitive protected health information (PHI) about a person’s health and history. Disposing PHI with processes for the proper destruction of medical records is critical to protecting patient privacy and hefty penalties from HIPAA.

How long are Hipaa records kept?

six years

Should patient records ever be destroyed?

Minimum length of retention of GP records Electronic patient records (EPRs) must not be destroyed, or deleted, for the foreseeable future. For the patient’s lifetime and 3 years after the patient’s death.

How long do doctors keep records?

In California, where no statutory requirement exists, the California Medical Association concluded that, while a retention period of at least 10 years may be sufficient, all medical records should be retained indefinitely or, in the alternative, for 25 years.

How long do hospitals keep records?

five to ten years

When should records be destroyed?

A log or ‘meta data stub’ should be kept of records destroyed. Mental Health Records Discharge or patient last seen 20 years or 8 years after death Review and if no longer needed destroy Covers records made where the person has been cared for under the Mental Health Act 1983 as amended by the Mental Health Act 2007.

Do I delete or destroy personal information as soon as I have no more need for it?

Delete or shred any irrelevant information which you do not need to keep. You must make sure that any personal information you use is accurate. This is particularly important if it has been obtained from another person or organisation rather than directly from the subject of the information.

What are obsolete records?

Obsolete generally refers to a record that is no longer active. How your records management program must treat an obsolete record varies widely depending on how obsolete is used.

How long should you retain records and documents?

Keep records for 3 years from the date you filed your original return or 2 years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later, if you file a claim for credit or refund after you file your return. Keep records for 7 years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction.

How long should I keep documents after selling a house?

seven years

Do you need to keep old mortgage documents?

Keep the Most Important Papers: Any paperwork that is specifically for your home purchase or original loan should be considered important papers and saved for the life of the loan. Loan paperwork, such as refinancing agreements, should also be kept.

How long should I keep bank statements and utility bills?