HIPAA has nothing to do with how long you have to keep medical records.
Yes, as long as the release of these records conforms with HIPAA regarding acceptable disclosures. One in the medical chart, they are part of the medical chart.
Many people would keep a deceased person's records for at least 10 years. Many people keep these records for longer than that.
How long should a medical record be retained
10 YEARS
7 years
10 years
It's certainly easier to keep medical records on-site for active patients. There are no regulations, however, about where medical records must be kept as long as they are secure.
for 5 years
approx 6years
Unti you die?
7 Years after last visit
Generally hospitals keep medical records for up to seven years. The hospital must maintain inpatient and outpatient records for this time period.