What should happen to records of patients less than 7 years old upon cessation of practice?

Transferring records of patients less than 7 years old to a storage facility aligns with the legal and ethical guidelines for handling patient information in many jurisdictions, including Massachusetts. When a practitioner ceases practice, it is important to ensure that patient records are retained and securely stored for a minimum period, which often is dictated by state regulations.

In this context, patient records must be managed properly to maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive health information. Simply destroying records, keeping them where they are, or transferring them freely could lead to issues with compliance and the protection of patient privacy. Storing them in a secure facility meets the requirements for record retention and ensures they are accessible if needed for future reference or in case of audits or inquiries. Proper storage also protects patient information from loss or unauthorized access.

Hence, moving records to a secure storage facility is the correct procedure to follow when a practitioner discontinues practice.