Mental Health/Substance Abuse records are retired after how many years following the patient's last date of treatment?

Mental Health/Substance Abuse records are typically retained for a specific period following the last date of treatment to comply with legal, ethical, and administrative requirements. The correct answer reflects the standard practice which ensures that patient records remain accessible for continuity of care and potential future clinical needs. Retiring records after two years allows for the necessary period to address any follow-up treatment or legal inquiries while also aligning with confidentiality standards set for sensitive information, especially in mental health and substance abuse cases.

This retention period balances the need to maintain patient privacy while recognizing that some individuals may require ongoing treatment or support in the years following their last appointment. Adhering to a two-year guideline helps healthcare providers systematically manage records and ensures that they do not keep sensitive information longer than necessary, which aligns with best practices in record management and patient confidentiality.