How long must chiropractors maintain accurate and complete patient records?

Chiropractors are required to maintain accurate and complete patient records for a duration of seven years after the date of the last patient visit. This timeframe is in line with California state laws and regulations concerning healthcare providers, ensuring that patient information is available for future reference, continuity of care, and in case of any disputes or legal matters that may arise. Maintaining records for this period serves to protect both the patients and the practitioners by providing documentation that can clarify treatment provided and patient history.

While some may believe that records should be kept for shorter periods, such as five years, this would not comply with the minimum legal requirements set forth. Similarly, while keeping records indefinitely can seem prudent, it may not be practical or mandated by law, as it may lead to issues related to record storage and management. The seven-year requirement strikes a balance between legal compliance and operational efficiency for practitioners.