PTBC (Physical Therapy Board of California) California Law Practice Exam

For how many years should patient records be maintained?

1. No less than 3 years

2. No less than 5 years

3. No less than 7 years

4. No less than 9 years

The correct answer is: No less than 7 years

Patient records are important for maintaining continuity of care and tracking medical history. In case of any legal or regulatory issues, it is necessary to have access to these records. While it is important to maintain patient records for a suitable amount of time, it is also important not to keep them for an excessive time period as it may lead to unnecessary storage costs and unnecessary use of resources. Therefore, options A, B, and D are incorrect as they suggest keeping patient records for lesser or longer periods of time than the recommended 7 years.