How Long to Keep Medical Records in Texas (and How to Destroy Them)

In Texas, physicians must keep adult patient records for at least seven years after the last treatment. For patients who are minors, records must be kept for at least seven years after the last treatment or until the patient turns 21, whichever is longer. Hospitals in Texas generally must keep records for 10 years. After the retention period ends, records must be destroyed in a way that protects patient privacy.

Texas Medical Record Retention at a Glance

• Physician offices, adult patients: at least 7 years from the last treatment (Texas Medical Board rules).
• Physician offices, minor patients: 7 years from the last treatment or until age 21, whichever is longer.
• Hospitals: generally 10 years.
• Records tied to pending lawsuits, audits, or investigations: keep until the matter is resolved, even if the normal period has passed.

Other licensed providers, such as dentists, therapists, and pharmacies, may have their own board rules. HIPAA does not set how long medical records must be kept, but it requires that HIPAA policies and related documentation be kept for six years. Confirm your schedule with your licensing board or attorney.

How to Destroy Medical Records

When records reach the end of their retention period, they must be destroyed so they cannot be read or rebuilt. That means shredding paper charts, X-rays, and labels, and physically destroying electronic media such as old hard drives. Never put patient records in the trash or a recycling bin.

• Keep records locked until destruction.
• Use a vendor that signs a HIPAA business associate agreement.
• Get a Certificate of Destruction for every job.
• Keep a log of which records were destroyed and when.

Read our full HIPAA compliant shredding guide, or see our shredding services for healthcare. Old X-ray films can also be destroyed and recycled; see X-ray film disposal.

For sharps, pathological, and other medical waste, our sister company MedSharps provides medical waste disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Texas doctors have to keep medical records?

At least seven years after the last treatment for adults. For minors, seven years after the last treatment or until age 21, whichever is longer.

How long do Texas hospitals keep medical records?

Texas hospitals are generally required to keep records for 10 years.

Does HIPAA say how long to keep medical records?

No. HIPAA does not set a retention period for medical records, but it requires HIPAA policies and documentation to be kept for six years. State law sets medical record retention.

How should medical records be destroyed?

Paper records should be shredded and electronic media physically destroyed by a vendor that follows HIPAA and provides a Certificate of Destruction.

Does Marshall Shredding sign HIPAA business associate agreements?

Call (866) 487-4733 to discuss your practice’s needs and compliance paperwork.

Get Secure Shredding From Marshall Shredding

Marshall Shredding has protected Texas businesses and homeowners for more than 25 years. Call (866) 487-4733 or request a free quote. Every service includes a Certificate of Destruction.