How long must patient medical records be kept according to Texas law?

In Texas, medical records must be retained for a minimum of seven years after the date of the last treatment provided to the patient. This requirement is in place to ensure that patients have access to their medical histories, which is crucial for ongoing care, legal matters, and various administrative processes.

The seven-year retention period also reflects broader legal standards and is designed to strike a balance between patient rights and the practicalities of record-keeping for healthcare providers. After this period, records may be securely destroyed unless a specific patient request or other legal requirement necessitates longer retention.

Understanding the implications of this retention requirement emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper documentation practices within healthcare settings to ensure compliance with state laws and support patient care continuity.