The medical sector is bound by the Cantonal Law on Health Practices. Every health institution, private or public (hospital, private clinic, doctor’s office etc.) must follow the law of its canton. Nevertheless, the following general framework applies
- Art.57 File Conservation
A file must be maintained for as long as it is relevant to the health of the patient. If there is none at all for the health of the patient or in the interest of public health, the file may be destroyed confidentially after a period of maximum 20 years. December 1 2000 regulations impose a longer period for the conservation of public archives, or in the event a patient requests an extension for research purposes.
- Art. 39 and 40 Law on therapeutic products (pharma) (LPth)
In case of blood transfusion or in the event the patient underwent an operation or came in contact with blood products the law (Art. 39) stipulates that his file must be registered confidentially and must be totally and completely retraceable (blood donor/ recipient, operation etc..).Data registered and covered by Art 39 above as well as all important documents related to the file must be kept for 20 years (Art 40)
