Record Retention

Required records shall be maintained in a manner that protects them from foreseeable damage or destruction. (a) A Massage Therapy Establishment shall maintain required records for each client. (b) Records shall be maintained for seven years from the date of the last client encounter, unless the client is a minor at the time of services. (c) If a client is a minor on the date of the last visit, then the records must be maintained for a minimum period of either seven years from the date of the last client encounter or until the client reaches the age of eighteen, whichever is the longer retention period. (d) Records stored electronically shall have an established system of regular back-up. Copies of the back-up records shall be maintained safely and securely. (e) Except as permitted under 269 CMR 6.06(1)(f) and (g), client records shall be kept confidential to the extent required by state or federal law. (f) Upon the written request of the client, or the client's authorized legal representative, the Massage Therapy Establishment shall furnish a complete copy of the client's records to the party authorized to receive it. A reasonable fee may be charged for this service. (g) The Massage Therapy Establishment shall furnish to the Board or its duly authorized representative a complete copy of a client record upon written request promptly and in no instance more than 30 days after the date of the request. No fee may be charged for this service.