// RECORDS MANAGEMENT
// RECORDS MANAGEMENT
ALABAMA
MEDICAL RECORDS CUSTODIAN
Retiring or Closing Your Medical Practice in Alabama?
We Handle Your Patient Records – Legally and Securely
Are you retiring or shutting down your medical practice in Alabama? One of the most important — and often overlooked — responsibilities is managing your patient medical records in compliance with HIPAA and Alabama State law.
As your trusted Medical Records Custodian, we make sure your patient records are properly secured, accessible, and legally managed — so you can walk away with peace of mind.
Medical Record Requirements for Retiring Doctors in Alabama
Even after retirement, you’re still legally responsible for medical record retention and release unless you designate a proper custodian.
Whether you’re a solo practitioner in Birmingham or part of a group practice in Mobile, if you’re closing your doors, Alabama law requires you to retain and provide access to patient records for a specific period — an essential part of understanding how to store patient records after retirement in Alabama.
Alabama Medical Record Retention Laws
Medical records shall be retained in their original or legally reproduced form for a period of:
- At least seven years from the physician’s last professional contact with the patient
- At least five years from the date of discharge for hospital records
- Exceptions:
- Immunization records not transmitted to the state board of health immunization registry: retain for at least two years after the minor reaches the age of majority or seven years from the date of the physician’s (and/or other providers within the practice) last professional contact with the patient, whichever is longer
- X-rays, radiographs, and other imaging products shall be retained for at least five (5) years. However, mammography imaging and reports shall be maintained for ten (10) years.
- Medical records of minors shall be retained for a period of not less than two (2) years after the minor reaches the age of majority or seven (7) years from the date of the physician’s last professional contact with the patient, whichever is longer.
Read the official Alabama state medical records regulations here.
Additional resources on Alabama Medical Records Regulations:
What Happens to Patient Records When a Doctor Retires?
When you close your practice in Alabama, you are responsible for:
- Notifying patients about how they can obtain their records
- Securely storing all patient files according to medical retention in AL law
- Fulfilling medical record requests for at least six years after you stop practicing – or longer, depending on patient age
That’s where Emerald steps in. As a professional third-party HIPAA record custodian service in AL, we:
✓ Take possession of your physical and/or digital records
✓ Set up a HIPAA-compliant system for patient record requests
✓ Handle all ongoing medical record release requests
✓ Provide documentation for regulatory and legal protection
Our Alabama Medical Records Custodian Services
We work with physicians, dentists, chiropractors, mental health professionals, and other licensed providers across Alabama.
Our comprehensive medical record custodian services in Alabama include:
- Pickup or scanning of physical records from your office
- HIPAA-compliant storage (cloud-based or physical)
- Secure access portals for patients and legal requesters
- Automated fulfillment of record requests
- Legal documentation to protect your liability post-retirement
We serve clients across Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Auburn, and communities throughout Alabama.
FAQS For Medical Records Custodian Services in Alabama
How much does a medical records custodian cost in AL?
Pricing depends on the volume of records and whether scanning is required. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
What if my records are a mix of paper and digital (EMR)?
We handle both! We can scan paper files and take over management of EMR archives.
Do I have to notify my patients when I retire in Alabama?
Yes. While the law doesn’t specify exactly how, it’s considered best practice — and often necessary — to send letters, emails, or publish a notice letting patients know how they can obtain their medical records.
Can I just keep the records in storage myself?
Technically yes, but it exposes you to legal and security risks. It also puts the ongoing burden of manually releasing patient records on you. Most physicians opt to work with a professional custodian to offload liability and simplify the record request process.
Ready to Retire or Close Your Practice? We’ll Handle the Records.
Don’t let medical record obligations hold up your retirement. Whether you’re planning months in advance or closing your practice soon, we can help you transition smoothly and legally.
Contact us today to learn more about our Medical Records Custodian services and ensure a smooth transition for your practice.
Or give us a call at (631)-435-2900