How long are adult medical records required to be retained?

In Arizona, adult medical records are required to be retained for 6 years after the last patient encounter. This retention period is in line with the legal standards and regulations that govern medical recordkeeping, ensuring that records are available for any necessary future consultations, audits, or legal inquiries. The 6-year timeframe allows sufficient time for review of a patient's medical history and continuity of care.

Holding records for this duration helps to balance the need for patient privacy with the requirement to maintain adequate documentation for medical practice, quality control, and legal purposes. It is essential for healthcare providers to be aware of this requirement to remain compliant with state regulations and ensure that they can provide high-quality care supported by accurate medical histories.