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HIPAA has nothing to do with how long you have to keep medical records.
In California, a doctor has the right to keep records forever if they choose. However, legally they only have to keep them for 25 years after the patients last visit.
Keep a copy of ALL of the serviceman's medical records.
Many people would keep a deceased person's records for at least 10 years. Many people keep these records for longer than that.
I keep track of my medical records and everyone else should as well...
all states are required to keep medical records for at least 7 years. Most medical records are kept longer in case they get sued.
You should keep the records for a minimum of 5 years.
Most hospitals in this modern age do keep electronic medical records along with paper medical records. Electronic copies are needed for efficiency and backup.
Unless the patient has legally been ruled incompetent and has had a medical power of attorney or guardian appointed, then they cannot be refused access to their medical records based solely on their age.
for 5 years
This is somewhat complicated, but you, as the wife, usually have a right for the hospice doctor to review the medical records with you.
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.