How long are chiropractors required to retain patient records in Arizona after treatment?

In Arizona, chiropractors are required to retain patient records for a minimum duration of five years after the last treatment date. This time frame is established to ensure that there is adequate documentation available for follow-up care and potential legal inquiries or audits that may arise concerning the patient’s treatment. Retaining records for five years helps facilitate continuity of care and supports the chiropractor in maintaining comprehensive oversight of the patient's health history.

This requirement is based on both state regulations and generally accepted standards for medical record retention, which emphasize the importance of having accessible records for a reasonable period to safeguard the patient's interests and those of the practitioner. Keeping records beyond this duration is not mandated, but doing so may be considered best practice for some providers, particularly in cases where ongoing treatment is likely. This context of record retention can also relate to varied specialties within healthcare, where requirements may differ based on specific practices and statutory obligations.