HIPAA Blog

[ Friday, April 03, 2009 ]

 

What happens to the records when a doctor closes shop? It depends on how it happens, but it can be a messy, troubling situation. A doctor in Acton, Mass. abruptly shut his practice because the state was chasing him for practicing without a license. He just abandoned the records, and they were about to be shredded when a local hospital stepped in to take possession of them.

State law normally requires physicians to protect the records, and Texas' State Medical Board requires physicians to let the patients know when the practice is closing shop. But if the physician dies, leaves the area, or otherwise isn't subject to the jurisdiction of the licensing board, then what?

Jeff [10:56 AM]

Comments: Post a Comment
http://www.blogger.com/template-edit.g?blogID=3380636 Blogger: HIPAA Blog - Edit your Template