TY - JOUR T1 - National Medical Record Retention Laws A1 - Mehdi Dehnavi1 A1 - Mahdie Shojaei Baghini JF - specialty journal of medical research and health science JO - SPEC. J. MED. RES. HEALTH SCI. SN - 2521-3172 Y1 - 2019 VL - 4 IS - 4 SP - 35 EP - 48 N2 - Background & Objective: The aim of this study was to gain knowledge about the methods used in ‎reviewing the retention and disposal periods of different types of medical records in different ‎countries.‎ Method: This was an applied and descriptive-comparative study and was carried out in accordance ‎to the laws related to the time of retention of medical records from 2016. Data collection tools were ‎data collection forms and information sources. The method of data collection was by reviewing ‎articles, journals, books, reputable websites related to government centers, academic and ‎professional associations and other written documents. Data analysis was done using comparative ‎tables and determination of the common and different aspects of the system as a descriptive-‎theoretical analysis.‎ Result: In the countries under study, medical record retention laws were updated according to the ‎type and content of medical data, type of institution and according to national conditions and laws.‎ Conclusion: Based on the law, healthcare institutions are required to keep patient records and ‎documents. On the other hand, permanent record retention is not possible for reasons such as the ‎decreased value of medical records’ information after time expiration, lack of appropriate space, ‎high cost of record retention, and overcrowding of archive space and the psychological effect on ‎staff. Therefore, there should be clear guidelines and instructions for the retention and disposal of ‎medical records‎‏. UR - https://sciarena.com/article/national-medical-record-retention-laws ER -