Which of the following best defines a "closed patient record"?

A "closed patient record" is best defined as a record that is no longer actively used and is archived. This designation typically applies to patient records of individuals who have been discharged or who are no longer receiving active treatment from a healthcare provider. Such records are usually retained for a certain period for legal, regulatory, or continuity of care purposes.

Archiving closed patient records allows healthcare organizations to maintain compliance with various healthcare regulations while also reducing the burden on active databases. This helps in managing patient data efficiently, ensuring that active patient records are easily accessible when needed, while older records can be stored securely in accordance with laws governing patient information retention.

Other definitions do not accurately encapsulate the concept of a "closed patient record." For instance, a record belonging to an active patient would not be considered closed, as it is still in use. Similarly, a record that has been transferred to another provider may still be considered an active record until the new provider has fully taken over the patient's care. Lastly, a record that is actively updated is, by definition, still open and ongoing, contradicting what constitutes a closed record.