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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hipaa-security-documentation-retention

How long must HIPAA security documentation be kept?

Keep required documentation for 6 years from creation or last effective date.

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  1. 6 years from creation or last effective date ✔
  2. 1 year
  3. Only until the next audit

Why: Documentation must be retained for 6 years from the date it was created or last in effect, whichever is later.

Huh, didn't know that: This includes risk analyses, policies, procedures, and records of actions or assessments.

The dad joke
Why did the security policy stay for 6 years? It was required, not just attached to the refrigerator.
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References

Answer: 6 years from creation or last effective date. Documentation must be retained for 6 years from the date it was created or last in effect, whichever is later.

  1. 45 CFR 164.316(b)(2) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-C/part-164/subpart-C/section-164.316
    Retain the documentation... for 6 years from the date of its creation or the date when it last was in effect, whichever is later.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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