Wash. Admin. Code § 388-805-320

Requirements of Patient Record Systems for Chemical Dependency Service Providers

Each Chemical Dependency Service Provider must have a comprehensive patient record system in place, with a designated individual responsible for management.  The system must promote confidentiality of the information, and limit access to both active and inactive records.  Each provider must have policies and procedures in place governing who has access to records, the content of active and inactive patient records, a method for record retrieval, and the destruction of patient records.  If the record system is in electronic format, patients must be given the opportunity to obtain a paper copy of their record upon request.  All patient records must be kept for a minimum of 6 years after the discharge or transfer of the patient.