How long must clinical records for minors be kept?

In Indiana, the law requires that clinical records for minors must be maintained until the minor reaches the age of 21. This regulation ensures that adequate documentation is available for any future health-related issues or legal matters that may arise after the individual reaches adulthood. The retention period extends beyond the age of majority (18) because minors may have specific health concerns or treatments that require ongoing reference or could have implications that don’t become apparent until later in life. By retaining records until the age of 21, healthcare providers can better ensure that a comprehensive medical history is available for the former minor, thereby promoting continuity of care and legal protection.