Delaware Code Title 24. Professions and Occupations § 1761A. Appointment of a custodian of patient records

(a) If the Board receives a formal or informal complaint concerning access to patient records as a result of a physician's physical or mental incapacity, or abandonment or involuntary discontinuation of a medical-practice business in this State, the Board may temporarily or permanently appoint a person or entity as custodian of the physician's patient records, in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 1732 of this title.

(b) The custodian of patient records appointed under this section shall notify the physician's patients of record to that effect by publishing notice in a newspaper of daily circulation in the area where the physician practiced. The notice must be published at least 1 time per month over a 3-month period after the appointment of the custodian and must explain how a patient can procure that patient's records. All patients who have not requested their records 30 days after such publication must be notified by first-class mail by the custodian to permit the patients to procure their records. Any patient records that have not been procured within 7 years after the appointment of the custodian may be permanently disposed of in a manner that ensures confidentiality of the records.

(c) A custodian of patient records appointed under this section who disposes of patient records in accordance with the provisions of this section is not liable for any direct or indirect loss suffered as a result of the disposal of a patient's records.

(d) The Board shall establish a registry of physicians and healthcare entities who are willing to serve as records custodians.