This comparative map shows medical record retention requirements applicable to health care providers in all 50 states plus the district of columbia state law governs the length of time that providers must maintain medical records and this map categorizes states by the minimum length of time providers must retain records. Medical record keeping standards a medical record documents a members medical treatment past and current health status and treatment plans for future health care and is an integral component in the delivery of quality health care as such we established medical record standards in 1996 and routinely distribute these standards to pcps and . Transformed health care electronic health records ehrs are the first step to transformed health care the benefits of electronic health records include better health care by improving all aspects of patient care including safety effectiveness patient centeredness communication education timeliness efficiency and equity. Good medical record keeping maiedha raza central manchester university hospitals foundation trust england mann and williams state that in the modern health care environment records serve a myriad of however this was of no comparative use as only one in every 10 notes had information. Having all your health information in one place can help you be in control of your and your loved ones health and care but keeping track of your medical records can be difficult if your health information is in multiple places in various formats such as paper or if you see several doctors for your care