If a Dr. abandons a practice what happens to the records of the patients. Is a release required for an appointed replacement Dr. to view those...

Medical records are the property and responsibility of the
physician or physician office.  It is the responsibility of the physician to maintain
records for up to 7 years and 25 years for children under the age of 18.  A doctor
disposing of the practice should make reasonable efforts to ensure the maintenance of
the records by providing the records to the patient to whom they relate. The records may
also be provided to another doctor identified by the patient at the request of the
patient.  Unfortunately when a doctor in solo practice dies unexpectedly his or her
estate is liable for the safe-keeping of records.  Patients should approach the estate
and ask for the records to be sent to another doctor. When a doctor leaves a practice
without turnover procedures due to the prospect of malpractice issues generally the
department of a particular state relegated to licensing and oversight of physicians
should take control of such documents and give patients notice to have records
transferred to another physician.