How long must the board retain the minutes of annual meetings?

The requirement for retaining the minutes of annual meetings for no less than 20 years is grounded in the need for proper documentation and accountability in the context of professional regulation. Retaining these minutes for two decades ensures that there is a historical record available for review by both the board and relevant stakeholders, which can be crucial for matters related to governance, compliance, and legal inquiries.

This long retention period also recognizes the potential for long-term issues to arise from decisions made during those meetings, allowing for thorough scrutiny and reference over time. The preservation of minutes for 20 years aligns with typical practices in various professional fields, emphasizing the importance of maintaining transparency and continuity in governance. Such long timeframes also provide sufficient time for any legal cases or disputes to be resolved within a reasonable period, supporting the overall integrity of the profession.