Final answer:
Inactive or deleted medical records should be stored according to legal requirements, which can vary depending on jurisdiction and the type of record.
Step-by-step explanation:
The duration for which inactive or deleted medical records should be stored depends on legal requirements. It is crucial to abide by these requirements to ensure confidentiality, privacy, and compliance with laws and regulations.
Generally, medical records are kept for 10 years or longer, depending on the jurisdiction and the type of record. Legal requirements vary by country and can differ between regions, states, or even healthcare providers.
For example, in the United States, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates that medical records should be retained for at least 6 years from the date of creation or last use. However, certain states may have specific regulations that extend the retention period to 10 years or mor