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The retention time for medical records is determined by specific laws and regulations, which provide the framework for how long various types of records must be kept. These regulations ensure compliance with legal requirements and standards that govern patient care, confidentiality, and data protection. For example, state laws might dictate different retention periods depending on the type of medical record, the patient's age, or specific health care settings.

Internal hospital policies are important but must align with the overarching legal requirements. Industry best practices can guide facilities in maintaining high standards, but they do not supersede legal requirements. Similarly, while the type of records might influence the specific retention time within the bounds set by law, the primary driver is the legal and regulatory framework governing medical records retention. Therefore, specific laws and regulations are indeed the key determinant of how long medical records should be retained.