← Michigan medical records custodian and retention laws

Michigan — Medical Records Checklist

For a practice that is closing, being sold, relocating or whose physician is retiring. Prepared 21 September 2026.

How long records must be kept

Adult patients: A minimum of 7 years, unless a longer period is required by federal or state law or by generally accepted standards of medical practice.
Patients who were minors: No separate minors period in this section.
Clock starts: The date of service.

Before you close — what this state requires

MCL 333.16213: if a licensee SELLS or CLOSES the practice, RETIRES, or otherwise ceases to practise - or, if deceased, the personal representative - they SHALL NOT ABANDON the records
They SHALL SEND WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE DEPARTMENT specifying WHO WILL HAVE CUSTODY of the medical records and HOW A PATIENT MAY REQUEST ACCESS TO OR COPIES of their records
Records may be transferred to the patient, or to a specific health facility/agency or other licensed provider, if the patient or their authorised representative requests it
Records must be kept so as to protect integrity, ensure confidentiality and proper use, and ensure accessibility to the patient

Where this comes from

MCL 333.16213
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-333-16213

Read this before you act on it. Every statement above was taken from the state's own published rule or statute and is quoted or closely paraphrased from it. It is a working checklist, not legal advice, and it is a snapshot: retention periods change, and several states adjust their copying fees every year. Confirm the current text with the source listed above, or with your attorney, before you rely on a date or a dollar figure.

Figures stated as of: Verified September 2026

Prepared by Morgan Records Management for Michigan. Checklist built 21 September 2026.