What is the minimum amount of time that long-term care facility records must be retained?

Long-term care facility records must be retained for a minimum of 3 years based on regulatory requirements. This retention period is established to ensure that important patient information is accessible for ongoing care, audits, and investigations, which can arise from disputes or issues regarding patient treatment and care.

Keeping records for 3 years allows facilities to maintain a comprehensive history of patient care, ensuring continuity and accountability. It also aligns with legal standards that protect both the rights of the patients and the facility. After 3 years, some records may still need to be retained longer, particularly those related to specific regulations or incidents, but 3 years serves as the foundational minimum period.