According to regulations, how long should historical logs be retained?

Historical logs are essential for organizations to track compliance and ensure quality standards are met. The Joint Commission specifies that these logs should generally be retained for a minimum of three years. This retention period allows organizations to maintain an adequate record of their performance, enabling them to analyze trends, evaluate processes, and continuously improve patient safety and care quality. Having at least three years of data helps ensure the organization can respond appropriately to audits or inquiries about past practices, thereby supporting better governance and accountability in healthcare practices. This structured retention period aligns with the Joint Commission's ongoing commitment to enhance overall healthcare delivery through informed decision-making based on historical performance data.