>>Here in SoCal, when Friendly Hills Medical Group went gurgle-gurgle in the
80's or early 90's, I don't recall anyone offering patients a chance to get
medical records...<<

The difference can be found in state law.  IM appears to be following the
regulations provided by the state:

 § 115.23. Preservation of medical records.
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/028/chapter115/chap115toc.html

 (a)  Medical records, whether original, reproductions or microfilm, shall
be kept on file for a minimum of 7 years following the discharge of a
patient.

 (b)  If the patient is a minor, records shall be kept on file until his
majority, and then for 7 years or as long as the records of adult patients
are maintained.

 (c)  If a hospital discontinues operation, it shall make known to the
Department where its records are stored. Records are to be stored in a
facility offering retrieval services for at least 5 years after the closure
date. Prior to destruction, public notice shall be made to permit former
patients or their representatives to claim their own records. Public notice
shall be in at least two forms, legal notice and display advertisement in a
newspaper of general circulation.
Bill R

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