When electronic records are kept, what must a dentist ensure is available?

When electronic records are maintained by a dentist, it is essential to ensure a duplicate hard copy or an unaltered electronic copy is available. This requirement underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity and accessibility of patient records. In healthcare, safeguarding sensitive information is paramount, and having a duplicate ensures that records can be reliably retrieved and verified, even in the event of a system failure or data corruption.

Maintaining a hard copy or an unaltered electronic copy provides a backup that can aid in compliance with various legal and regulatory frameworks governing patient records. This practice helps in continuity of care, as well as facilitating accurate information transfer among healthcare providers when necessary.

The other options, while relevant to data security and management, do not address the primary legal obligation related to record duplication. Having a duplicate digital copy does not assure the same level of physical reliability as a hard copy or a verified unaltered electronic version. An encrypted backup is critical for data security but does not inherently guarantee accessibility or the ability to verify the integrity of the records. Regular audits, while beneficial for compliance and operational integrity, do not replace the need for accessible duplicate records.