About the standard
The Patient Record Retention standard was last updated in 2016 and is being reviewed to ensure relevancy to current medical practices. A proposed title change to Patient Record Management better reflects the content covered within the standard. Guidance added regarding access, locum responsibilities and preventing abandoned records clarifies responsibilities of custodians and strengthens continuity of care. In accordance with the Health Information Act, EMR system requirements have been added to modernize and support current practices. Additional details regarding record storage, security and access requirements help support patients and transparency.
What’s changed?
- Proposed title change to Patient Record Management better reflects content detailed within the standard.
- Responsibilities of custodians clarified through addition of information regarding record access, locum responsibilities and abandoned record prevention.
- Requirements for EMR system added to align with the Health Information Act and ensure standards better acknowledge and reflect current practices.
- Additional guidance provided regarding storage, security and access requirements to support transparency of regulated member and patient rights.
- Retention timelines clarified for records specific to minors, deceased patients and any records involved in litigation or complaints.
View the draft standard
For your convenience, the draft standard has clean and marked copies available.
All ResourcesYour opinion matters
Changes to CPSA’s Standards of Practice impact your day-to-day practice. Your feedback is important to us, as it helps us develop clear, reasonable expectations and helpful, applicable resources. We appreciate the time you take and the input you provide.
CPSA regulated members, partner organizations, other healthcare professionals and Albertans are invited to provide feedback from Jan. 6 to Feb. 5. Feedback may be provided via survey, email or the comment form on each page.
Anonymized feedback will be considered by Council. Once amendments are finalized and approved by Council, members will be notified by email and The Messenger newsletter.
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