Different states have different laws when it comes to obtaining medical records. Scroll to the name of the state where you had your abortion to see how long medical records (your abortion documents) are required to be kept. Click on the name of the state for legal information and tips on reclaiming your medical records.
[Note: even if the time on your records has expired, fight to get them anyway. Sometimes records are kept longer than required.]
[Note: even if the time on your records has expired, fight to get them anyway. Sometimes records are kept longer than required.]
Alabama - Alabama law requires some health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals in Alabama must keep your medical records for at least 5 years. Doctors are advised to keep your medical record for at least 10 years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Alaska - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, a hospital must keep your records for seven years after you are discharged. In the case of a patient under 19, the record must be kept either until the patient is 21 or seven years after discharge, whichever is longer. Hospitals must keep X-rays for five years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Arizona - Generally, Arizona law requires health care providers to keep the medical records of adult patients for at least 6 years after the last date the patient received medical care from that provider. If the patient is a child, the provider must keep the patient's medical records either until the patient reaches the age of 21 or for at least 6 years after the last date the patient received medical care, whichever is longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Arkansas - State law requires certain health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals in Arkansas must keep x-rays for at least 5 years and other medical records for at least 10 years after you were last discharged. Hospital must keep minors’ medical records at least until the individual reaches the age of 20. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
California - California law may require your health care provider to keep your medical record for a certain period of time. For example, hospitals in California generally must maintain medical records for at least seven (7) years after the date the patient was discharged. Records for unemancipated minors must be kept at least seven (7) years or a minimum of one year after the minor has reached 18, whichever is later. There is no general rule for how long doctors in California must keep medical records. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Colorado - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals must keep your medical records for 10 years after your last treatment. In you were hospitalized as a minor, the hospital must keep your medical record for 28 years minus your age at the last time you were treated. For example, if you were 8 years old when you were last treated in the hospital, the hospital must keep your records 20 years (28-8=20). It is recommended that doctors must keep your medical records for a minimum of 7 years after your last visit. In the case of a minor, your doctor should keep your record at least 7 years after the last visit or until you reach the age of 25, whichever occurs later. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Connecticut - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, doctors must keep most of your medical records for at least 7 years after they last treat you. Doctors must keep x-rays for at least 3 years. Hospitals must keep your medical records for at least 25 years after you have been discharged. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Delaware - State and federal laws and regulations require many health care providers to keep medical records for a specific period of time. For example, doctors in Delaware must keep your medical record at least 7 years after the last entry date on your medical record. Hospitals that accept Medicare payments generally must keep medical records at least 5 years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Florida - Under Florida law, many health care providers must keep medical records for a minimum period of time. For example, doctors in Florida must keep medical records for at least five (5) years after their last contact with the patient. Public hospitals in Florida must keep their medical records at least seven (7) years after the patient has been discharged. In practice, many health care providers keep their records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Georgia - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a certain period of time. For example, Georgia hospitals must keep most medical records for at least 5 years after the date that you were discharged from the hospital. Medical records for Medicare beneficiaries, and some diagnostic test reports, must be kept for 6 and sometimes 7 years. Most other health care providers (except hospitals) generally must keep your medical record for at least 10 years from the date the record was created. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Hawaii - Hawaiian health care providers (such as medical doctors, surgeons, podiatrists and hospitals) generally must keep your whole medical record for at least seven years after the last time they entered information in your record. Health care providers must keep minors’ medical records at least until the minor turns 25. In addition, health care providers in Hawaii are required to keep basic information from the medical record for 25 years after the last entry. They must keep basic information from minors’ medical records for at least 25 years after the minor turns 18. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Idaho - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals must keep clinical laboratory test records and reports at least 5 years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Illinois - Illinois law may require your health care provider to keep your record for a certain period of time. For example, under Illinois law, hospitals must keep medical records at least 10 years. There is no specific rule for how long doctors in Illinois must keep medical records. You have the right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Indiana - Indiana law requires generally requires health care providers to keep medical records at least 7 years after the date the record was made. Indiana health care providers must keep your x-ray film for at least 5 years. In practice, many health care providers keep their records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Iowa - State law requires some health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, Iowa doctors must keep your medical records for at least 7 years after your last treatment. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Kansas - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals must keep your medical records for 10 years after you were last discharged. If you were hospitalized as a minor, the hospital must keep your medical records for 10 years or until you reach the age of 19, whichever is longer. Doctors in Kansas must keep your medical records for at least 10 years from the date of professional service. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Kentucky - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals must keep your medical records for a minimum of 5 years from the date you were discharged. In the case of minors, hospitals must keep their medical records for at least 5 years or until the minor is 21 years old, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Louisiana - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, physicians and dentists must keep most of your medical records for at least six years from the date you were last treated by. They must keep X-ray films, and similar recordings for at least three years from the date you were last treated. Hospitals must keep your records for 10 years from the day that you were discharged.You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Maine - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, Maine hospitals must keep medical records for at least 7 years. If the patient is a minor, the hospital must keep the records at least until the patient is 24 (6 years after the patient reaches 18, the age of majority). In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Maryland - Maryland health care providers usually must keep your medical records at least 5 years after the date the record was made or until you are 21, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their records longer. You have a right to get and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Massachusetts - State law requires many health care providers to keep medical records for a certain period of time. For example, doctors in Massachusetts must keep medical records for at least 7 years from the date of the last patient encounter. If the patient is a minor, the doctor must keep the medical record for 7 years or until the patient reaches the age of 9, whichever is longer. Massachusetts hospitals must keep medical records at least 30 years after the discharge or final treatment of the patient. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Michigan - In Michigan, there is no definite time that doctors and hospitals must keep your medical records. Other health care providers may have to keep treatment records for minimum time periods. For example, dentists must keep treatment records at least 10 years after the patient’s last dental service. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Minnesota - Minnesota law requires some health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals must always keep certain parts of your medical record including records dealing with your case history, physical examinations and daily hospital activities. They must keep these records in hard copy for three years after your last visit. After that, they may transfer your record to photographic film. Hospitals may destroy other parts of your medical record (including miscellaneous documents, papers) after seven years. They do not have to copy these records to photographic film. Hospitals must keep all parts of a minor's medical records for seven years after the minor turns 18. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Mississippi - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals in Mississippi must keep most medical records at least 10 years after the discharge of the patient. . X-rays may be destroyed after 4 years if the following conditions are met: The hospital sends you a letter telling you that they intend to destroy the x-ray and you do not request that they keep it, and the hospital keeps the findings of the person who read or interpreted the x-ray. Hospitals must keep the medical records of minors for the period of minority plus seven additional years, or 28 years in total, whichever is less. The records for patients who die while in the hospital generally must be kept at least 7 years. There are circumstances when the records must be kept for longer periods. It is recommended that doctors keep medical records for at least 6 years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Missouri - Missouri law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, doctors must keep your medical record for 7 years after your last treatment. Hospitals must keep your medical records for a minimum of 10 years or, in the case of a minor, until the minor is 23 years old, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Montana - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, a hospital normally must keep your full medical record at least 10 years following the date of your discharge. They must keep the core part of your medical record at least 20 years from the date of your discharge. If the patient is a minor, the hospital generally must keep their full medical record at least until the minor reaches the age of 28. If a patient dies, the hospital must keep their full medical records at least 10 years after the date of their death. In both these cases, hospitals must keep core records an additional 10 years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Nebraska - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, Nebraska hospitals must keep your medical record for at least ten years after your last treatment. If the patient is a minor, a Nebraska hospital must keep their medical record at least ten years or until the patient reaches 21 years of age, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Nevada - In Nevada, health care providers generally must keep health care records at least 5 years after the record was made or received by the provider. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
New Hampshire - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, doctors must keep a copy of you medical record for at least 7 years after your last visit. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
New Jersey - New Jersey hospitals must keep your medical record at least 10 years after the date you were discharged or until you reach the age of 23, whichever is longer. Health care professionals (such as doctors) in New Jersey must keep medical records at least 7 years from the last time they enter information in your medical record. In practice, many health care providers keep their records longer. You have a right to get and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
New Mexico - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. Hospitals, for example, must keep most medical records at least 10 years following the last treatment date of the patient. In the case of minor children, the hospital must keep the records at least until the child reaches the age of 19. Hospitals may destroy X-ray films four years after the date of exposure if they keep the written findings of the radiologist who read the x-ray. At any time after the third year after the date of exposure, and upon proper identification, the patient may recover his own x-ray films. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
New York - Under New York law, many health care providers must keep medical records for a minimum period of time. For example, doctors in New York generally must keep medical records for at least six (6) years. Obstetrical records and records about minor patients must be kept at least six (6) years or until one year after the minor patient reaches 18, whichever is longer. Hospitals must keep their medical records at least six years from the date you are discharged. In practice, many health care providers keep their records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
North Carolina - In North Carolina, hospitals must keep medical records of adult patients for 11 years after the patient’s discharge, and of minor patients until the minor’s 30th birthday. It is recommended that other health care providers keep their medical records at least 6 years. Records related to treatment received under Medicare must be kept 7 years. Many providers keep their records for longer periods of time. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
North Dakota - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals must keep your record for ten years after the date of your last treatment at the hospital. If you were less than 18 at the time of treatment, the hospital must keep your record until you are 21 or ten years after the date of last treatment, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Ohio - There is no set rule in Ohio for how long medical doctors or hospitals have to keep their medical records. However, state law may require other health care providers to keep your medical record for a certain period of time. For example, chiropractors in Ohio must keep their treatment records at least five (5) years after a patient ends his care. Many health care providers keep their records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Oklahoma - State law requires some health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, Oklahoma hospitals must keep most of your medical record for at least 5 years after your last treatment. If the patient is a minor, an Oklahoma hospital must keep their medical record at least 5 years or until the patient reaches 21 years of age, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Oregon - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specified period of time. For example, hospitals must keep most of your medical record for at least 10 years after the date you are discharged. X-rays, electrocardiograms, and similar items must be kept at least 7 years after the date you are discharged if your record includes professional interpretations of the item. The Oregon Medical Association recommends that doctors in private practice keep your medical records for a minimum of ten years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Pennsylvania - State law may require your health care provider to keep your medical record for a certain period of time. For example, under Pennsylvania law, your doctor must keep your medical record for at least 7 years after the last treatment date. Doctors must keep records of minors until 1 year after the minor reaches the age of majority or for 7 years, whichever is longer. Similarly, hospitals must keep medical records for at least 7 years after you are discharged from the hospital. Hospital records of minors must be kept until age of majority plus 7 years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Rhode Island - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, doctors and hospitals generally must keep your medical records at least 5 years. Hospitals must keep the records of minors at least 5 years or until the minor reaches the age of 23, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
South Carolina - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals must keep your medical record for at least 10 years, and must keep your medical record even longer if you were a minor when hospitalized. Doctors must keep your medical records for at least ten years from your last date of treatment. If you are a minor patient, you doctor must keep your medical record at least thirteen years from your last date of treatment. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
South Dakota - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals generally must keep medical records at least 10 years after the date of service. They generally must keep the records of minor patients at least 10 years or until the minor turns 20, whichever is later. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Tennessee - Tennessee law requires many health care providers to keep medical records for a specific period of time. For example, doctors and hospitals must keep most medical records at least 10 years after their last professional contact with you. Doctors and hospitals must keep minors’ medical records for at least 10 years after their last professional contact or until the minor is 19 years old, whichever is longer. Some records, such as original x-rays and mammograms, are subject to different rules. You have a right to get and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Texas - State law requires your health care provider to keep your medical record for a certain period of time. The time periods for retaining records varies depending on the type of health care provider. In Texas, your doctor must keep your medical record for at least 7 years after the date they last treated you. If you were a minor when you were last treated, your doctor must keep your medical record until you are 21 years old or at least 7 years after the date of last treatment, whichever is longer.
Texas hospitals must keep medical records for at least 10 years after the date that you were last treated in the hospital. If you were a minor when you were hospitalized, the hospital must keep your record until you are 20 years old or at least 10 years after you were last treated, whichever is longer. In practice, many doctors and hospitals keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and correct your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Utah - Utah law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals must generally keep medical records at least 7 years. Hospital records of minors must be kept until the patient turns 22 or 7 years, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Vermont - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, in Vermont your professional case records at a hospital must be kept on file for a minimum of ten years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Virginia - Virginia law requires some health care providers to keep medical records for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals in Virginia must keep medical records of adults at least 5 years after the patient was discharged. If the patient was a minor, the hospital must keep their medical record at least until the patient reaches the age of 23. In contrast, there is no law specifying the length of time that doctors in Virginia must keep medical records. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Washington - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals generally must keep medical records no less than 10 years following the most recent discharge of the patient. Hospitals must keep the medical of records of minors until the minor reaches the age of 21, or for at least 10 years following the minor’s discharge, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it. Once you request your medical record, your provider must keep your record until they respond to your request (even if the general record retention period has expired).
West Virginia - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, West Virginia hospitals must keep your medical records for at least five years after your last treatment. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Wisconsin - Wisconsin law requires some health care providers to keep your medical records for a specific period of time. For example, medical doctors and hospitals generally must keep your medical records at least 5 years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Wyoming - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, Wyoming’s public hospitals must keep your records for at least ten (10) years after the date of service for adults. For minors they must keep the records for ten (10) years after the patient reaches the age of majority. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Alaska - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, a hospital must keep your records for seven years after you are discharged. In the case of a patient under 19, the record must be kept either until the patient is 21 or seven years after discharge, whichever is longer. Hospitals must keep X-rays for five years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Arizona - Generally, Arizona law requires health care providers to keep the medical records of adult patients for at least 6 years after the last date the patient received medical care from that provider. If the patient is a child, the provider must keep the patient's medical records either until the patient reaches the age of 21 or for at least 6 years after the last date the patient received medical care, whichever is longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Arkansas - State law requires certain health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals in Arkansas must keep x-rays for at least 5 years and other medical records for at least 10 years after you were last discharged. Hospital must keep minors’ medical records at least until the individual reaches the age of 20. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
California - California law may require your health care provider to keep your medical record for a certain period of time. For example, hospitals in California generally must maintain medical records for at least seven (7) years after the date the patient was discharged. Records for unemancipated minors must be kept at least seven (7) years or a minimum of one year after the minor has reached 18, whichever is later. There is no general rule for how long doctors in California must keep medical records. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Colorado - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals must keep your medical records for 10 years after your last treatment. In you were hospitalized as a minor, the hospital must keep your medical record for 28 years minus your age at the last time you were treated. For example, if you were 8 years old when you were last treated in the hospital, the hospital must keep your records 20 years (28-8=20). It is recommended that doctors must keep your medical records for a minimum of 7 years after your last visit. In the case of a minor, your doctor should keep your record at least 7 years after the last visit or until you reach the age of 25, whichever occurs later. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Connecticut - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, doctors must keep most of your medical records for at least 7 years after they last treat you. Doctors must keep x-rays for at least 3 years. Hospitals must keep your medical records for at least 25 years after you have been discharged. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Delaware - State and federal laws and regulations require many health care providers to keep medical records for a specific period of time. For example, doctors in Delaware must keep your medical record at least 7 years after the last entry date on your medical record. Hospitals that accept Medicare payments generally must keep medical records at least 5 years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Florida - Under Florida law, many health care providers must keep medical records for a minimum period of time. For example, doctors in Florida must keep medical records for at least five (5) years after their last contact with the patient. Public hospitals in Florida must keep their medical records at least seven (7) years after the patient has been discharged. In practice, many health care providers keep their records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Georgia - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a certain period of time. For example, Georgia hospitals must keep most medical records for at least 5 years after the date that you were discharged from the hospital. Medical records for Medicare beneficiaries, and some diagnostic test reports, must be kept for 6 and sometimes 7 years. Most other health care providers (except hospitals) generally must keep your medical record for at least 10 years from the date the record was created. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Hawaii - Hawaiian health care providers (such as medical doctors, surgeons, podiatrists and hospitals) generally must keep your whole medical record for at least seven years after the last time they entered information in your record. Health care providers must keep minors’ medical records at least until the minor turns 25. In addition, health care providers in Hawaii are required to keep basic information from the medical record for 25 years after the last entry. They must keep basic information from minors’ medical records for at least 25 years after the minor turns 18. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Idaho - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals must keep clinical laboratory test records and reports at least 5 years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Illinois - Illinois law may require your health care provider to keep your record for a certain period of time. For example, under Illinois law, hospitals must keep medical records at least 10 years. There is no specific rule for how long doctors in Illinois must keep medical records. You have the right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Indiana - Indiana law requires generally requires health care providers to keep medical records at least 7 years after the date the record was made. Indiana health care providers must keep your x-ray film for at least 5 years. In practice, many health care providers keep their records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Iowa - State law requires some health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, Iowa doctors must keep your medical records for at least 7 years after your last treatment. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Kansas - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals must keep your medical records for 10 years after you were last discharged. If you were hospitalized as a minor, the hospital must keep your medical records for 10 years or until you reach the age of 19, whichever is longer. Doctors in Kansas must keep your medical records for at least 10 years from the date of professional service. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Kentucky - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals must keep your medical records for a minimum of 5 years from the date you were discharged. In the case of minors, hospitals must keep their medical records for at least 5 years or until the minor is 21 years old, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Louisiana - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, physicians and dentists must keep most of your medical records for at least six years from the date you were last treated by. They must keep X-ray films, and similar recordings for at least three years from the date you were last treated. Hospitals must keep your records for 10 years from the day that you were discharged.You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Maine - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, Maine hospitals must keep medical records for at least 7 years. If the patient is a minor, the hospital must keep the records at least until the patient is 24 (6 years after the patient reaches 18, the age of majority). In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Maryland - Maryland health care providers usually must keep your medical records at least 5 years after the date the record was made or until you are 21, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their records longer. You have a right to get and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Massachusetts - State law requires many health care providers to keep medical records for a certain period of time. For example, doctors in Massachusetts must keep medical records for at least 7 years from the date of the last patient encounter. If the patient is a minor, the doctor must keep the medical record for 7 years or until the patient reaches the age of 9, whichever is longer. Massachusetts hospitals must keep medical records at least 30 years after the discharge or final treatment of the patient. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Michigan - In Michigan, there is no definite time that doctors and hospitals must keep your medical records. Other health care providers may have to keep treatment records for minimum time periods. For example, dentists must keep treatment records at least 10 years after the patient’s last dental service. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Minnesota - Minnesota law requires some health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals must always keep certain parts of your medical record including records dealing with your case history, physical examinations and daily hospital activities. They must keep these records in hard copy for three years after your last visit. After that, they may transfer your record to photographic film. Hospitals may destroy other parts of your medical record (including miscellaneous documents, papers) after seven years. They do not have to copy these records to photographic film. Hospitals must keep all parts of a minor's medical records for seven years after the minor turns 18. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Mississippi - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals in Mississippi must keep most medical records at least 10 years after the discharge of the patient. . X-rays may be destroyed after 4 years if the following conditions are met: The hospital sends you a letter telling you that they intend to destroy the x-ray and you do not request that they keep it, and the hospital keeps the findings of the person who read or interpreted the x-ray. Hospitals must keep the medical records of minors for the period of minority plus seven additional years, or 28 years in total, whichever is less. The records for patients who die while in the hospital generally must be kept at least 7 years. There are circumstances when the records must be kept for longer periods. It is recommended that doctors keep medical records for at least 6 years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Missouri - Missouri law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, doctors must keep your medical record for 7 years after your last treatment. Hospitals must keep your medical records for a minimum of 10 years or, in the case of a minor, until the minor is 23 years old, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Montana - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, a hospital normally must keep your full medical record at least 10 years following the date of your discharge. They must keep the core part of your medical record at least 20 years from the date of your discharge. If the patient is a minor, the hospital generally must keep their full medical record at least until the minor reaches the age of 28. If a patient dies, the hospital must keep their full medical records at least 10 years after the date of their death. In both these cases, hospitals must keep core records an additional 10 years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Nebraska - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, Nebraska hospitals must keep your medical record for at least ten years after your last treatment. If the patient is a minor, a Nebraska hospital must keep their medical record at least ten years or until the patient reaches 21 years of age, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Nevada - In Nevada, health care providers generally must keep health care records at least 5 years after the record was made or received by the provider. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
New Hampshire - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, doctors must keep a copy of you medical record for at least 7 years after your last visit. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
New Jersey - New Jersey hospitals must keep your medical record at least 10 years after the date you were discharged or until you reach the age of 23, whichever is longer. Health care professionals (such as doctors) in New Jersey must keep medical records at least 7 years from the last time they enter information in your medical record. In practice, many health care providers keep their records longer. You have a right to get and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
New Mexico - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. Hospitals, for example, must keep most medical records at least 10 years following the last treatment date of the patient. In the case of minor children, the hospital must keep the records at least until the child reaches the age of 19. Hospitals may destroy X-ray films four years after the date of exposure if they keep the written findings of the radiologist who read the x-ray. At any time after the third year after the date of exposure, and upon proper identification, the patient may recover his own x-ray films. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
New York - Under New York law, many health care providers must keep medical records for a minimum period of time. For example, doctors in New York generally must keep medical records for at least six (6) years. Obstetrical records and records about minor patients must be kept at least six (6) years or until one year after the minor patient reaches 18, whichever is longer. Hospitals must keep their medical records at least six years from the date you are discharged. In practice, many health care providers keep their records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
North Carolina - In North Carolina, hospitals must keep medical records of adult patients for 11 years after the patient’s discharge, and of minor patients until the minor’s 30th birthday. It is recommended that other health care providers keep their medical records at least 6 years. Records related to treatment received under Medicare must be kept 7 years. Many providers keep their records for longer periods of time. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
North Dakota - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals must keep your record for ten years after the date of your last treatment at the hospital. If you were less than 18 at the time of treatment, the hospital must keep your record until you are 21 or ten years after the date of last treatment, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Ohio - There is no set rule in Ohio for how long medical doctors or hospitals have to keep their medical records. However, state law may require other health care providers to keep your medical record for a certain period of time. For example, chiropractors in Ohio must keep their treatment records at least five (5) years after a patient ends his care. Many health care providers keep their records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Oklahoma - State law requires some health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, Oklahoma hospitals must keep most of your medical record for at least 5 years after your last treatment. If the patient is a minor, an Oklahoma hospital must keep their medical record at least 5 years or until the patient reaches 21 years of age, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Oregon - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specified period of time. For example, hospitals must keep most of your medical record for at least 10 years after the date you are discharged. X-rays, electrocardiograms, and similar items must be kept at least 7 years after the date you are discharged if your record includes professional interpretations of the item. The Oregon Medical Association recommends that doctors in private practice keep your medical records for a minimum of ten years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Pennsylvania - State law may require your health care provider to keep your medical record for a certain period of time. For example, under Pennsylvania law, your doctor must keep your medical record for at least 7 years after the last treatment date. Doctors must keep records of minors until 1 year after the minor reaches the age of majority or for 7 years, whichever is longer. Similarly, hospitals must keep medical records for at least 7 years after you are discharged from the hospital. Hospital records of minors must be kept until age of majority plus 7 years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Rhode Island - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, doctors and hospitals generally must keep your medical records at least 5 years. Hospitals must keep the records of minors at least 5 years or until the minor reaches the age of 23, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
South Carolina - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals must keep your medical record for at least 10 years, and must keep your medical record even longer if you were a minor when hospitalized. Doctors must keep your medical records for at least ten years from your last date of treatment. If you are a minor patient, you doctor must keep your medical record at least thirteen years from your last date of treatment. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
South Dakota - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals generally must keep medical records at least 10 years after the date of service. They generally must keep the records of minor patients at least 10 years or until the minor turns 20, whichever is later. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Tennessee - Tennessee law requires many health care providers to keep medical records for a specific period of time. For example, doctors and hospitals must keep most medical records at least 10 years after their last professional contact with you. Doctors and hospitals must keep minors’ medical records for at least 10 years after their last professional contact or until the minor is 19 years old, whichever is longer. Some records, such as original x-rays and mammograms, are subject to different rules. You have a right to get and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Texas - State law requires your health care provider to keep your medical record for a certain period of time. The time periods for retaining records varies depending on the type of health care provider. In Texas, your doctor must keep your medical record for at least 7 years after the date they last treated you. If you were a minor when you were last treated, your doctor must keep your medical record until you are 21 years old or at least 7 years after the date of last treatment, whichever is longer.
Texas hospitals must keep medical records for at least 10 years after the date that you were last treated in the hospital. If you were a minor when you were hospitalized, the hospital must keep your record until you are 20 years old or at least 10 years after you were last treated, whichever is longer. In practice, many doctors and hospitals keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and correct your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Utah - Utah law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals must generally keep medical records at least 7 years. Hospital records of minors must be kept until the patient turns 22 or 7 years, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Vermont - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, in Vermont your professional case records at a hospital must be kept on file for a minimum of ten years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Virginia - Virginia law requires some health care providers to keep medical records for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals in Virginia must keep medical records of adults at least 5 years after the patient was discharged. If the patient was a minor, the hospital must keep their medical record at least until the patient reaches the age of 23. In contrast, there is no law specifying the length of time that doctors in Virginia must keep medical records. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Washington - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, hospitals generally must keep medical records no less than 10 years following the most recent discharge of the patient. Hospitals must keep the medical of records of minors until the minor reaches the age of 21, or for at least 10 years following the minor’s discharge, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it. Once you request your medical record, your provider must keep your record until they respond to your request (even if the general record retention period has expired).
West Virginia - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, West Virginia hospitals must keep your medical records for at least five years after your last treatment. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Wisconsin - Wisconsin law requires some health care providers to keep your medical records for a specific period of time. For example, medical doctors and hospitals generally must keep your medical records at least 5 years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.
Wyoming - State law requires many health care providers to keep your medical record for a specific period of time. For example, Wyoming’s public hospitals must keep your records for at least ten (10) years after the date of service for adults. For minors they must keep the records for ten (10) years after the patient reaches the age of majority. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer. You have a right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record for as long as your health care provider has it.