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History of Legal Changes Related to the Management of Medical Records in Korea

  • Journal of Korean Society of Archives and Records Management
  • Abbr : JRMASK
  • 2025, 25(4), pp.71~89
  • DOI : 10.14404/JKSARM.2025.25.4.071
  • Publisher : Korean Society of Archives and Records Management
  • Research Area : Interdisciplinary Studies > Library and Information Science > Archival Studies / Conservation
  • Received : October 23, 2025
  • Accepted : November 26, 2025
  • Published : November 30, 2025

Lee Myounggyu 1

1전남대학교 문헌정보학과 교수

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This study aims to review the history of changes in laws related to medical records in the Republic of Korea from liberation to the present. Through this, the study examines how the concept of medical records, the requirements for their retention and management, and the regulations concerning personnel responsible for medical records management have evolved over time, and further identifies the limitations of the current legal framework and possible directions for improvement. The limitations and proposals from the results of the analysis are summarized as follows. First, there are three laws related to medical records, including the Medical Service Act. Second, the concept of the term “medical records” is not specified in the law. The terms “medical records,” “electronic medical records (EMRs),” and “medical information” are used interchangeably, resulting in inconsistent terminology across related laws. As such, the study proposes the unification of terms by gathering dispersed provisions related to medical records and organizing them in a single chapter. Third, five types of medical institutions, including general hospitals, are required to establish a medical records department, but the requirement to appoint medical records administrators applies only to general hospitals. It is necessary to stipulate the obligation to secure optimal space and allocate professional manpower according to the establishment and operation of EMR systems. Fourth and last, the retention period of medical records is divided into 4 durations—10, 5, 3, and 2 years—for each of the 9 types of records. There is a need, therefore, to extend the retention period of EMRs to a quasi-permanent duration. Furthermore, legal improvements are necessary in directions that reflect the specificity of electronic document environments and strengthen the professionalism of medical records management.

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