Records retention — psychology (Quebec)
Keep a file for each client at the place of practice, and keep each file for AT LEAST 5 YEARS from the date of the last professional service provided (a. 8). Files may be kept electronically provided confidentiality is assured (a. 2). Files must be stored in furniture not freely accessible to the public and kept locked (a. 7). After the retention period a file may be destroyed provided confidentiality of its contents is assured (a. 9). Where a client asks that a copy of the file or information in it be sent to a THIRD PARTY, the psychologist may transmit it only 15 DAYS after the client signs the consent, and the client may revoke consent within that window — though in urgent cases the client may waive the 15-day delay (a. 10). A note of any such transmission, signed and dated by the client, goes in the file. A psychologist practising in a public health or social services établissement is treated as holding the institution’s user file, and articles 8 to 10 do NOT apply to them (a. 12). The psychologist must display in the waiting room a copy of the Code de déontologie, this regulation, and (where fees are charged to clients) the conciliation and arbitration regulation, each marked with the Ordre’s address (a. 18). Where the work environment obstructs compliance, the psychologist must inform the employer in writing and notify the Ordre (a. 21).
“8. Le psychologue doit conserver chaque dossier pendant au moins 5 ans à compter de la date du dernier service professionnel dispensé.” — Règlement sur la tenue des dossiers et des cabinets de consultation des psychologues, RLRQ c. C-26, r. 221, a. 8 (à jour au 1er avril 2026; ce document a valeur officielle)