                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

RECORD STORAGE (§ 32.1-127.1:01)

A. Health records, as defined in &#xA7; 32.1-127.1:03, may be stored by
computerized or other electronic process or microfilm, or other photographic,
mechanical, or chemical process; however, the stored record shall identify the
location of any documents or information that could not be so technologically
stored. If the technological storage process creates an unalterable record, the
nursing facility, hospital or other licensed health care provider shall not be
required to maintain paper copies of health records that have been stored by
computerized or other electronic process, microfilm, or other photographic,
mechanical, or chemical process. Upon completing such technological storage,
paper copies of health records may be destroyed in a manner that preserves the
patient&#8217;s confidentiality. However, any documents or information that
could not be so technologically stored shall be preserved.

B. Notwithstanding the authority of this section to copy health records in the
form of microfilm, prescription dispensing records maintained in or on behalf of
any pharmacy registered or permitted in Virginia shall only be stored in
compliance with &#xA7;&#xA7; 54.1-3410, 54.1-3411, and 54.1-3412.

HISTORY: 1994, c. 390; 1998, c. 470; 2012, c. 336.