Medical Record Retention Policy
Patient Data Protection & Record Retention Standards
At Reveal Medical Center, patient confidentiality, data protection, and long-term medical record preservation are fundamental components of our clinical governance framework. We maintain strict compliance with UAE healthcare regulations to ensure that all patient information is securely stored, accessible for continuity of care, and protected under applicable laws.
Regulatory Framework
Our medical record management policies are aligned with:
- UAE Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 on the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Health Fields
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Health Regulation Sector standards
- UAE Medical Liability and Patient Privacy regulations (Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016)
These laws establish the legal requirements for healthcare facilities regarding patient data storage, confidentiality, and controlled access to medical records.
Minimum Record Retention Period
In accordance with UAE healthcare regulations and ICT Health Law requirements: Reveal Medical Center retains patient medical records for a minimum period of twenty-five (25) years from the date of the last clinical encounter.
This retention policy applies to all departments within our facility, including:
- Dental Clinic
- Dermatology Clinic
- Laser & Aesthetic Services
Maintaining long-term records supports continuity of care, medico-legal compliance, and accurate clinical history review when required.
Types of Records Covered
Our retention policy includes, but is not limited to:
- Medical histories and clinical notes
- Treatment plans and consent documentation
- Diagnostic imaging and digital scans
- Laboratory reports and prescriptions
- Before-and-after clinical photography where consent is provided
- Financial treatment plans related to medical procedures
Records may exist in both physical and secure digital formats.
Data Security & Confidentiality
All patient information is handled under strict confidentiality protocols designed to meet UAE data protection standards.
Security Measures Include:
- Controlled access systems for authorized medical staff only
- Encrypted digital storage systems
- Secure backup and disaster recovery protocols
- Compliance with DHA patient privacy and health data standards
Patient data is never shared with third parties without legal authorization or written patient consent unless required by regulatory authorities.
Patient Access to Medical Records
Patients have the right to request access to their medical information in accordance with UAE healthcare regulations. Requests may include:
- Medical reports
- Treatment summaries
- Diagnostic records
- Insurance documentation
Identity verification may be required before releasing any medical information to ensure privacy protection.
Data Disposal & Archiving
After the legally required retention period has been fulfilled, records may be securely archived or disposed of following DHA-approved medical data destruction protocols. Any disposal process is conducted in a manner that prevents unauthorized access or reconstruction of confidential patient information.
Clinical Governance & Oversight
Medical record management at Reveal Medical Center is overseen by DHA-licensed professionals and administrative compliance teams to ensure adherence to regulatory obligations and ethical standards. Policies are reviewed periodically to align with updates from UAE health authorities and evolving healthcare data regulations.