How long to keep old policies

By Michelle Brooks posted 08-25-2015 12:17

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I am reviewing our policies and throughout the years the department has kept all old policies that are no longer in use. I am unable to find a guideline on exactly how long to keep these before I can toss them out. I had heard several things, "keep always", "keep 10-15 years", "keep 7 years". Does anyone have an answer.

Thanks.

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Bessie Brooks-Garnett

02-04-2016 10:46

What is the regulatory requirements from JACHO or DNV. Our policies are reviewed and updated I want to say every 3 to 5 years.

Jose Rivera

10-06-2015 18:03

Better late than never!
My suggestion...
An RT department should always keep current policies that reflect our practices. I recommend contacting the Director of hospital policy and procedure or contact the policy committee. They have helped me in the past.

Jeffery Davis

09-03-2015 10:18

I am not sure of a standard. However, I back-up all policies on a "server" hard drive. I save each years batch in a compressed (zipped) file. Due to their small size, a careers worth could literally be saved on a thumb drive. I personally review close to 300 polices bi-annually.

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