Records Retention

One of the most commonly asked question from our members is "How long must I keep patient records"?

Section 29.2(a)(3) of Title 8 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (8NYCRR) requires that a dental patient's record be kept for a minimum of six years. If the patient is a minor when treated, meaning that the patient is under 18 years of age, then the record must be kept for six years or until the patient turns 22, whichever would be the longer period of time.

You may keep the records longer that the law requires. The law does not prescribe the form in which you keep the records. They may be kept on paper, microfilm, computer or any other medium. However, you need to have ready access to the record and you need to be able to authenticate that the record has not been altered in case you are asked to produce the record in court.

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