Under South Carolina law, how long should a counseling record be retained?

The appropriate retention period for counseling records in South Carolina is a minimum of five years after the last client contact. This duration is established to ensure that records are available for review if needed for legal, ethical, or professional reasons. Retaining records for five years helps protect both the client and the counselor by providing a sufficient timeframe for any potential disputes, audits, or follow-up care that could arise after the professional relationship has ended.

Records are crucial for continuity of care and can be instrumental in addressing any future inquiries regarding the treatment provided. While some states have varying requirements, South Carolina's law specifically emphasizes this five-year retention period to ensure both compliance with the law and the well-being of clients in mental health care settings. Other options, such as a shorter retention period or indefinite retention until a client requests destruction, do not align with the established practices and could potentially jeopardize the professional's adherence to regulatory standards.