Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 48 - PUBLIC HEALTH-GENERAL
Part I - General Administration
Subpart 3 - Licensing and Certification
Chapter 93 - Hospitals
Subchapter H - Medical Record Services
Section I-9395 - Retention

A. Hospital records shall be retained by the hospital in their original, microfilmed or similarly reproduced form for a minimum period of 10 years from the date a patient is discharged.

B. Graphic matter, images, x-ray films, nuclear medicine reports and like matter that were necessary to produce a diagnostic or therapeutic report shall be retained, preserved and properly stored by the hospital in their original, microfilmed or similarly reproduced form for a minimum period of three years from the date a patient is discharged. (Note: Medicare and/or Medicaid participating hospitals must maintain copies of reports and printouts, films, scans and other image records for at least five years). Such graphic matter, images, x-ray film and like matter shall be retained for longer periods when requested in writing by any one of the following:

C. A hospital that is closing shall notify the department in writing at least 30 days prior to cessation of operation for approval of their plan for the disposition of patients' medical records. The plan shall contain provisions that comply with state laws on the storage, maintenance, access and confidentiality of the closed hospital's patient medical records. It shall consists of an appointed custodian who shall provide physical and environmental security that protects against fire, water, intrusion, unauthorized access, loss and destruction. The plan shall also provide public notice on access in the newspaper, with the largest circulation, in close proximity of the closing hospital.