Bill > HB1394

This bill modifies the existing law regarding hospital medical record retention by extending the required retention period from the previous 10-year (or 10-year post-18th birthday for minors) standard to a uniform 26-year minimum retention period for all medical records. Hospitals are now allowed to retain these records in various formats including paper, microfilm, electronic, or other media. The bill clarifies that this new 26-year requirement applies both to existing medical records and those created after the bill's effective date, with an important caveat that hospitals which already disposed of records under the previous law's guidelines are not penalized. The legislation also maintains existing requirements that hospitals must make arrangements for record preservation if they cease operations, and it grants the department of health the authority to define specific record types and information that must be retained. A notable addition is that all information collected during a unique patient visit is now considered part of the medical record. The bill aims to ensure more comprehensive and consistent medical record preservation across healthcare facilities.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1394&Year=2025&Initiative=false