How long must the physician on-call log and central patient log be maintained according to EMTALA?

The correct maintenance period for the physician on-call log and central patient log under EMTALA is five years. Maintaining these logs for this duration is essential for compliance with federal regulations. The five-year retention period ensures that hospitals can provide documentation that may be necessary for audits or investigations relating to compliance with EMTALA's requirements.

This is especially important as these logs serve as vital records in demonstrating that hospitals fulfill their obligations to provide appropriate medical screening and stabilizing treatment to individuals who present for care. Robust record-keeping practices enable facilities to address any issues that may arise regarding patient treatment and the availability of on-call services during that period.

Though there are other durations mentioned in the choices provided, they do not align with the specific requirements established by EMTALA for these logs, which emphasizes the importance of adhering to the five-year standard.