Records for minor patients are usually kept until they turn how old?

Records for minor patients are usually kept until they turn how old?

• A. 21
• B. 18
• C. 16
• D. 25

Answer: (A)

Retention of records for patients who were minors extends into late adolescence, commonly until the patient turns 21. This practice recognizes that the period after becoming an adult can still involve medical history needs and potential post-minority liability concerns, so records are kept longer than the age of majority (18). The other ages don’t align with the usual retention standard: 18 ends the minor status, 16 is well before adulthood, and 25 is longer than typically required.

Retention of records for patients who were minors extends into late adolescence, commonly until the patient turns 21. This practice recognizes that the period after becoming an adult can still involve medical history needs and potential post-minority liability concerns, so records are kept longer than the age of majority (18). The other ages don’t align with the usual retention standard: 18 ends the minor status, 16 is well before adulthood, and 25 is longer than typically required.