Questions & Answers

How long do research documents need to be retained?

The Health Information Act (HIA) is silent regarding the retention period of research documents under the custody or control of a custodian. Retention periods are usually internal policies or procedures developed by each individual custodian.

Under the HIA, retention is noted under section 41(1);

Maintaining certain disclosure information

41(1) A custodian that discloses a record containing individually identifying diagnostic, treatment and care information under section 35(1) or (4) must make a note of the following information:

(a) the name of the person to whom the custodian discloses the information;

(b) the date and purpose of the disclosure;

(c) a description of the information disclosed.

(2) The information referred to in subsection (1) must be retained by the custodian for a period of 10 years following the date of the disclosure.

For additional information regarding “research” please refer to the Publications link for the brochure, The Health Information Act - Use and Disclosure of Health Information for Research.

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