Florida Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

According to regulations, how should therapy records be handled after 22 months post-licensee's death?

1. They must be archived for future reference

2. They may be released to the public

3. They shall be properly disposed of

4. They must be reviewed by a state board

The correct answer is: They shall be properly disposed of

Handling therapy records post-licensee's death is guided by regulations to ensure compliance with patient confidentiality and the appropriate management of sensitive information. The correct answer indicates that these records shall be properly disposed of after 22 months. This timeframe reflects a balance between the need to retain records for a reasonable period in case of inquiries or claims, and the eventual necessity to protect the privacy of individuals whose information is contained in those records. Proper disposal means that records must be destroyed in a way that protects the confidentiality of the patients involved. This is essential to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive health information, which is part of both ethical standards and legal requirements in health care practices. Other options suggest retaining or releasing records, which might compromise patient confidentiality and does not align with the regulations governing the management of such sensitive information following the death of the licensee. Thus, the correct approach is to ensure that these records are disposed of appropriately after the specified period.