The process of converting from paper-based records to an EHR system

Consider this scenario: Your large, urban teaching hospital is in the process of converting from paper-based records to an EHR system. Policies and procedures for health record retention have not recently been updated; this needs to be addressed and the project is now on your desk.

Outline your recommendations for developing the new retention guidelines, considering:

Should all or part of the paper records currently on file be permanently retained?
What’s the back-plan for the new system?
What factors should be taken into consideration in making these retention decisions?
Who else should be involved in these decisions?