Treatment records for a substance abuse program participant must be retained for at least how many years?

• A. 7 years
• B. 5 years
• C. 9 years
• D. 11 years

Answer: (A)

Records are kept for a defined period to support ongoing care, regulatory compliance, and potential legal needs. In Wisconsin, the minimum retention period for treatment records after the last contact with a participant is seven years. This duration ensures that information is available if questions arise during future treatment, for audits or regulatory checks, and if any legal actions surface. Shorter periods, like five years, do not meet the state standard, while longer periods (nine or eleven years) exceed the minimum unless specific exceptions apply. So, seven years is the appropriate minimum requirement.