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Re: Destruction of notes and data -921 LEGAL CHAPTER REFERENCES
Posted by:
Jim Mazerat (IP Logged)
Date: February 20, 2007 11:09AM
You are right; this did need some clarification as to facts. I am speaking about his personal handwritten field notes. Remember it is his belief that all the information contained in those note is in the reports that were issued. The actual reports are being archived, but as with any business coast is a factor so they do not want duplication of material being archived. With no indication there is any ongoing action being taken by his client reference to this investigation should he still retain his hand written notes? Now I understand what I am suggesting is after the investigation is completed and not at the beginning.
As to the pros and cons of keeping notes at the beginning of an event I noticed something while at my local hospital and decided to ask some questions. I saw the doctor, after seeing the patient, pick up a phone set and dictate his findings into the phone. I spoke with him about this later during the day and asked how it works. What I learned was he dictated into this main recording system. The information is then transcribed by another person and that document is placed in the person’s chart. I asked the doctor if he reviewed this information and compared it to what was dictated and he said no. He said he may scan it if the person is still under his care when it is placed in the chart but in most cases the person has moved on so he does not see the chart. I asked if the original dictation was preserved and he said it was deleted after being transcribed by the person doing the transcription. This is just food for thought.