How long should records be kept? Although states may have different guidelines or laws, The Doctors Company recommends the following: Adult patients, 10 years from the date the patient was last seen. Minor patients, 28 years from the patient's birth. Deceased patients, five years from the date of death. In California, where there is no statutory requirement regarding physician offices, the California Medical Association recommends that medical records be retained indefinitely or for at least 25 years after the patient's last visit.