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NMAC 8.370.22.34 — PATIENT/CLIENT RECORDS
New MexicoregulationNew Mexico Health Care Authority· effective 2024-07-01
What this rule requires your agency to do
- 1Safeguard original patient/client records against loss or unauthorized use and maintain written policies governing use, removal, and release of information (C(1), C(2)).(NMAC 8.370.22.34 — PATIENT/CLIENT RECORDS)
- 2Retain original patient/client records at least 10 years after discharge, even if operations are discontinued, and notify the licensing authority in writing before discontinuing operation of the storage location (D(1)-(3)).(NMAC 8.370.22.34 — PATIENT/CLIENT RECORDS)
- 3Obtain the patient/client's written consent for release of information not authorized by law (C(3)).(NMAC 8.370.22.34 — PATIENT/CLIENT RECORDS)
- 4Maintain the original record for each patient/client receiving services (opening paragraph).(NMAC 8.370.22.34 — PATIENT/CLIENT RECORDS)
- 5Include all required content in medically directed and non-medically directed patient/client records (A(1), A(2)).(NMAC 8.370.22.34 — PATIENT/CLIENT RECORDS)
- 6Make patient/client records available for review upon request of the licensing authority (opening paragraph).(NMAC 8.370.22.34 — PATIENT/CLIENT RECORDS)
- 7Upon a signed patient/client request following discharge or transfer, make a copy or abstract of the original record available to the receiving facility within 24 hours (B).(NMAC 8.370.22.34 — PATIENT/CLIENT RECORDS)
- 8Ensure every record is accurate, legible, promptly completed, and consistently organized (opening paragraph).(NMAC 8.370.22.34 — PATIENT/CLIENT RECORDS)
Applies to: personal care
Requires each licensed agency to maintain an original, accurate, legible, and consistently organized record for each patient/client, specifying required content for both medically directed and non-medically directed records. Establishes rules for transfer of records upon discharge, protection and confidentiality safeguards, and a minimum 10-year retention period. Framework topic: Records / Documentation.
Regulatory information, not legal advice — always confirm against the cited official source. Verification reduces error; it does not certify compliance.