Medical Record Issues in Healthcare Practice Closings and Transfers: Regulatory Update, Best Practices for Compliance

Remaining compliant when transferring patient medical records—whether due to physician retirement or the practice being sold, merged with another, or closed—can be challenging. Providers are subject to stringent federal and state laws, and even professional standards, governing the handling of protected health information (PHI).

The process of transferring patient medical records requires a structured protocol to ensure compliance and often involves data encryption, secure IT systems, written notice to patients, and patient authorizations where required. 

Additionally, requirements may vary depending on the healthcare transaction under which the records are being transferred, and counsel should be able to guide clients through the process based on the situation. For example, where a practice is being closed, as opposed to being purchased or merged with another, there may still be certain retention and storage requirements as well as patient access considerations for the provider.

Failure to comply may result in severe consequences including lawsuits, regulatory penalties, and loss of licensure.

Listen as our expert panel discusses handling medical records when a practice is closed or transferred or where a physician retires. The panel will examine the relevant regulatory requirements and offer best practices for remaining compliant.