1. (a) Medical records must be retained by a physician or a physician's employer, including group practices, professional associations, and non-profit health organizations, consistent with this chapter.
2. (b) Providers must maintain access to medical records for the duration of the required retention period.

3. (c) Retention periods.

   1. (1) The standard retention period is at least seven years from the date of last treatment by the physician or longer if required by other federal or state law.
   2. (2) The retention period for a patient under 18 years old is until the patient reaches age 21 years old or seven years from the date of last treatment, whichever is longer.
4. (d) Forensic medical examinations for sexual assault must be retained in accordance with §153.003 of the Act.

Source Note:The provisions of this §163.2 adopted to be effective January 9, 2025, 50 TexReg 333.