// RECORDS MANAGEMENT
// RECORDS MANAGEMENT
ARKANSAS
MEDICAL RECORDS CUSTODIAN
Retiring or Closing Your Medical Practice in Arkansas?
We Handle Your Patient Records – Legally and Securely
Are you retiring or shutting down your medical practice in Arkansas? One of the most important — and often overlooked — responsibilities is managing your patient medical records in compliance with HIPAA and Arkansas 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 Arkansas
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 Little Rock or part of a group practice in Fayetteville, if you’re closing your doors, Arkansas law requires you to retain and provide access to patient records for a specific period – an essential part of how to store patient records after retirement in Arkansas.
Arkansas Medical Record Retention Laws
Medical records in Arkansas must be retained and preserved for at least 6 years, as required by HIPAA.
- The Arkansas Medical Society recommends physicians keep records for at least 10 years from the date of the last treatment, unless the patient is deceased, is incompetent, or is a minor.
Read the official Arkansas medical records regulations here.
Additional resources on Arkansas Medical Records Regulations:
What Happens to Patient Records When a Doctor Retires?
When you close your practice in Arkansas, you are responsible for:
- Notifying patients about how they can obtain their records
- Securely storing all patient files according to medical retention in AR 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 AR, 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 Arkansas Medical Records Custodian Services
We work with physicians, dentists, chiropractors, mental health professionals, and other licensed providers across Arkansas.
Our comprehensive medical record custodian services in Arkansas 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 Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Springdale, Jonesboro, Rogers, Conway, and communities throughout Arkansas.
FAQS For Medical Records Custodian Services in Arkansas
How much does a medical records custodian cost in Arkansas?
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 Arkansas?
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