How long should signed authorizations and agreements with patients restricting disclosure of PHI be retained?

The correct duration for retaining signed authorizations and agreements with patients that restrict the disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) is six years. This requirement is based on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines, which stipulate that covered entities must maintain their documentation regarding individual patient authorizations for a minimum of six years from the date of their creation or the date when they last were in effect.

This retention period ensures that healthcare providers maintain necessary records that demonstrate compliance with privacy regulations and provide a legal safeguard in case of auditing or other legal inquiries. It is crucial for healthcare organizations to adhere to this timeline to comply with HIPAA and protect patient privacy rights effectively.

Although the other options suggest different retention periods, they do not align with the six-year standard mandated by HIPAA, which establishes a clear benchmark for such documents. Organizations must follow these regulations to ensure they are upholding their responsibilities regarding patient data protection.