Digital radiography and electronic data storage from the perspective of legal requirements for record keeping

In some countries physicians and dentists are required by law to keep medical and dental records. These records not only serve as personal notes and memory aids but have to be in accordance with the necessary standard of care and may be used as evidence in litigation. Inadequate, incomplete or even missing records can lead to reversal of the burden of proof, resulting in a dramatically reduced chance of successful defence in litigation. The introduction of digital radiography and electronic data storage presents a new problem with respect to legal evidence, since digital data can easily be manipulated and industry is now required to provide adequate measures to prevent manipulations and forgery.