Final answer:
Active and inactive patient records must be kept for a certain number of years, depending on healthcare regulations and jurisdiction.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to healthcare regulations, active and inactive patient records must be kept for a certain number of years. The required retention period for patient records varies based on different factors such as the type of record and the jurisdiction where the healthcare provider is located.
For example, in the United States, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires healthcare providers to retain patient records for a minimum of six years from the date of creation or the last date the record was in use, whichever is later.
It's important for healthcare providers to comply with these regulations to ensure continuity of care, protection of patient information, and legal compliance.