As per the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, for how long must a physician preserve indoor patient records, and within what time must they be produced on demand by an authorised authority?
- A 2 years, within 24 hours
- B 3 years, within 72 hours ✓
- C 5 years, within 48 hours
- D 10 years, within 7 days
Correct answer: B. 3 years, within 72 hours
Explanation
The 2002 MCI Ethics Regulations require indoor patient records to be maintained for 3 years and produced within 72 hours of a demand by the concerned authorities. Computerised records are also acceptable. The 2-year figure relates to the limitation period for consumer complaints, which makes it a tempting but incorrect distractor here.
Reference: Parikh's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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