AGENCY: Weber-Morgan District Health Department (Utah)
SERIES: 10160
TITLE: High risk infant charts
DATES: 1983-
ARRANGEMENT: Alphabetical by patient's surname
DESCRIPTION: These medical charts document services provided to infants at high risk for medical, social, or developmental problems. This is a locally funded program where physicians and hospitals refer patients to the local health department. Initially, a public health nurse visits the family and undertakes a complete review to determine additional needs. The infant remains in the program for usually a year but no longer than two years. The infant might be referred to the Infant Development Program (IDP). The records include a nursing service household record form, a developmental chart, nursing notes, permission to evaluate form, and motor skills record form. Information includes names of patient and head of household, address, and telephone number; physician's name, address, and telephone number; listing of all members of household including birth date, sex, marital status, relationship to head of household, occupation or education, immunizations received and diagnosis. The charts also include a summary of findings, recommendations, and services provided.
RETENTION
Retain for 20 year(s) after case is closed or for 21 year(s)
DISPOSITION
Destroy.
RETENTION AND DISPOSITION AUTHORIZATION
These records are in Archives' permanent custody.
APPROVED: 03/1992
FORMAT MANAGEMENT
Paper: Retain in Office for 4 years after after case closed and then transfer to State Records Center. Retain in State Records Center for 16 years and then destroy.
APPRAISAL
Administrative Legal
The disposition is based on potential legal problems that may arise as to any treatment given the infant. While UCA 78-14-4 (1991) sets the limit for malpractice action at four years, court decisions such as Foil v._Ballinger, 601 Pac._Rep._2d 144, Utah Supreme Court (1979) and Myers v._McDonald, 635 Pac._Rep._2d 84, Utah Supreme Court (1981) have held that the statute of limitations can be extended if discovery of the injury did not occur within the four-year time frame. Should any medical problems occur, they should appear by the time the child becomes an adult.
PRIMARY DESIGNATION
Private