When a medical practice closes, what is the minimum amount of time patient records must be kept?

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The main idea here is the obligation to retain patient records when a practice closes. Legally and professionally, records must be kept for a minimum period after the last patient encounter to allow for ongoing care, accurate documentation, and potential legal or regulatory review. The minimum retention commonly required is five years from the date of the last patient contact. Some jurisdictions may require longer times, such as for records involving minors or based on the statute of limitations for claims, but five years is the standard floor. When planning closure, ensure securely stored records are accessible for that minimum period (and transferred to another provider or a designated storage solution if needed), while always checking your specific state laws and any institutional policies.