Pennsylvania Healthcare Compliance Requirements
State-specific breach notification rules, medical records retention periods, PDMP requirements, and mandatory reporting obligations for medical practices operating in Pennsylvania.
Breach Notification Rules
Notification deadline
Most expedient time possible
Notification must be made without unreasonable delay. AG notification not explicitly required but strongly recommended.
AG notification threshold
Not explicitly required
Harm analysis required
Penalty range
Enforceable by AG; private right of action for actual damages
Medical Records Retention
| Record type | Retention period | Measured from |
|---|---|---|
| General medical | 7 years | Last treatment |
| Pediatric | 7 years | Patient turns 18 |
| Mental health | 7 years | Last treatment |
PDMP Requirements — Pennsylvania PDMP
Check required
All controlled substances
Check frequency
Every prescription
Delegation allowed
Penalty range
Licensing board discipline; civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation; possible criminal prosecution for repeated willful noncompliance
Exemptions
Hospice patients, cancer treatment, ≤3 day supply in ER, inpatient hospital or long-term care administration, medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder
Mandatory Reporting Obligations
Mandated reporters
Physicians, nurses, dentists, psychologists, social workers, EMTs, and all licensed healthcare professionals
Report to
ChildLine, Department of Human Services
Timeline
Immediately / as soon as possible
Penalty for failure
Third-degree misdemeanor for first offense; second-degree misdemeanor for subsequent; first-degree misdemeanor if child suffers serious injury
Immunity provision
Good faith reporters immune from civil and criminal liability under 23 Pa.C.S. 6318
Mandated reporters
Physicians, nurses, social workers, and all healthcare professionals providing services to older adults
Report to
Area Agency on Aging, Older Adults Protective Services
Timeline
Immediately / as soon as possible
Penalty for failure
Summary offense, up to $2,500 fine
Immunity provision
Good faith reporters immune from civil and criminal liability
Mandated reporters
Healthcare providers treating injuries from suspected criminal violence
Report to
Local law enforcement
Timeline
Immediately / as soon as possible
Immunity provision
Good faith reporters immune from civil liability under Protection from Abuse Act
Mandated reporters
Physicians, laboratories, and healthcare facility administrators
Report to
Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology, or local health department
Timeline
Within 24 hours
Penalty for failure
Summary offense, up to $300 fine per day
Immunity provision
Good faith reporters immune from civil liability
Mandated reporters
All physicians and healthcare providers treating gunshot wounds or injuries from criminal violence
Report to
Local law enforcement
Timeline
Immediately / as soon as possible
Penalty for failure
Summary offense
Immunity provision
Good faith reporters immune from civil and criminal liability
Stay compliant in Pennsylvania
GuardWell tracks Pennsylvania-specific breach deadlines, PDMP requirements, retention periods, and mandatory reporting obligations automatically.