Medical Records
Keep the following in mind when closing or selling a practice:
- Medical records cannot be transferred to another physician without the patients’ consent.
- Patients must be given the option to choose another doctor and have a copy of their records sent to the physician of their choice.
- The medical records cannot not be part of the sale of the practice. If you are selling your practice to another physician, that physician can only become the custodian of the medical records and respond to record requests from patients, health facilities, or legal entities.
- The length of time required to keep a patient's medical record varies according to state law. Your state medical board can help you determine the rules for your area.
