The retention schedule protects both the provider and which of the following?

The retention schedule serves as a guideline for how long specific records must be kept before they can be disposed of. This is essential for protecting patient medical records, which contain sensitive information about an individual's health history, treatments, and personal details. Keeping these records for the appropriate amount of time ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, such as those outlined by HIPAA, which mandates the protection of patient information.

By properly retaining medical records, healthcare providers can safeguard against potential legal issues and ensure that they have the necessary information available for continuity of care and billing purposes. This also helps to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of patient information, as it prevents unauthorized access or mishandling of records that are no longer needed. Retaining medical records helps to ensure that patient information is provided to providers only when necessary and in accordance with legal guidelines, promoting trust in the healthcare provider-patient relationship.