Medical Records

This may seem like a silly question but Ill throw it out there anyway. In NJ medical records have to be retained for 7 years from the last time information is entered into the patient's chart. When a patient dies we document on the cover of the medical record chart the date that the patient died. And we enter the info into the patient's information screen in our computer patient management system. Does this mean that we have to retain that chart 7 years from the day that they die or can we assume that we have to retain the chart 7 years from the last medical notation entered by the physician or staff regarding their medical issues, treatment and or medication documentation?

re: Medical Records

Contact the legal division of your malpractice insurer. They should know the requirements for your state and specialty.

re: Medical Records

Thanks so much!