Medical Records Retention Laws by State (2026 Guide)
8 min read
Medical records retention laws determine how long hospitals, doctors, and other healthcare providers must keep your health information. These laws vary significantly from state to state.
For a complete overview of federal requirements, HIPAA rules, and a summary table of all 50 states, see our Medical Records Retention Laws by State hub page.
State-by-State Medical Records Retention Laws
Select your state for a detailed guide covering hospital and physician retention periods, minor patient records, HIPAA interaction, patient access rights, copy fees, destruction rules, and practice closure procedures.