Medical Records: More Than the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

It is the responsibility of each organization, including private practice businesses, to maintain a comprehensive medical records retention policy. While registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are qualified and competent business owners, navigating through the challenges of proper medical record management can be difficult without a sound policy. A comprehensive medical record retention policy consists of 4 major components: creation, utilization, maintenance, and destruction as well as a retention schedule. Successful implementation of a comprehensive medical record retention policy promotes positive clinician-patient interaction and avoidance of potential legal ramifications.