Arkansas Long Term Care Administrator Practice Exam

How long must resident records be maintained after discharge?

1. 3 years

2. 5 years

3. 7 years

4. 10 years

The correct answer is: 5 years

Resident records must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years after discharge to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to provide access to necessary information for any future needs, such as health-related queries or legal matters. This duration allows facilities to adequately document the history of care provided and meet potential audit requirements. Maintaining records for 5 years also aligns with best practices in healthcare administration, ensuring continuity of care and accountability. In contrast, options that suggest shorter or longer retention periods may not align with regulatory requirements or the best practices in documentation retention. For instance, retaining records for fewer than 5 years could limit the facility's ability to address inquiries that arise long after a resident's discharge. Similarly, retaining records for an unnecessarily long period could lead to excessive storage costs and management burdens without providing significant benefits.