Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) Practice Exam

For how long must a hospital retain a patient's health records after their discharge?

1. 2 years

2. 5 years

3. 10 years

4. Varying times, depending on the state

The correct answer is: Varying times, depending on the state

Health record retention requirements can vary significantly based on state laws and regulations. This option acknowledges that there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to how long hospitals must keep a patient's health records after discharge. Generally, states set their own laws concerning the duration of record retention, which can be influenced by factors such as the type of patient (e.g., minors), the nature of the care provided, and organizational policy. For instance, while some states may mandate a retention period of 5 years or even longer, others may have different standards or may alter those requirements based on changes in healthcare laws or practices. It is vital for healthcare organizations to be aware of and comply with their specific state regulations regarding record retention to ensure legal compliance and protection of patient information. This flexibility and dependence on state law make this option the most accurate among the choices provided.