N.H. CODE ADMIN. R. ANN. He-P 802.20 - Patient records under the division of public health services regulations

A patient record must be maintained for each patient admitted to a hospital and retained for seven years after discharge of a patient.  Electronic records must be maintained according to HIPAA regulations.  Patient records must include:
 
·         Identification data such as a patient’s name, address, telephone number, and emergency contact;
·         A signed acknowledgement of receipt of patient bill of rights by a patient or the patient’s guardian or agent;
·         A written or electronic record of a health examination by a licensed practitioner;
·         All medical orders;
·         Documentation of all services provided;
·         Laboratory, X-rays or results of other diagnostic tests.
·         Patient records must be safeguarded against loss or unauthorized use by implementation of appropriate use, handling and storage procedures.
 
Health care personnel and others authorized by law shall have access to patient records. Records must be retained, accessible and stored in a locked or supervised area. The hospital shall create a policy that governs the release of information. Records must be protected from unauthorized use.