For how long must a facility retain the clinical record of a resident who passed away five years ago?

The retention of clinical records for residents who have passed away is governed by regulations that aim to ensure proper documentation is available for legal, medical, and historical purposes. In Pennsylvania, the requirement is that records must be kept for a specific period following a resident's death.

In this case, the correct answer states that these records should be retained for a total of 3 years after the resident has passed away. Therefore, if a resident died five years ago, the facility would have a legal obligation to keep those records for an additional 2 years to comply with the retention standards. This allows for potential legal inquiries, audits, or medical reviews that may arise after a resident's death. Proper retention of clinical records also supports continuity of care considerations and protects the facility against any claims that might emerge long after a resident has left.

Overall, maintaining these records for the specified time ensures that the facility meets regulatory requirements and upholds standards of practice in the care of residents and their posthumous legal rights.