Final answer:
When a medical assistant makes an error while entering information into an EMR, they should notify their supervisor and correct the error as per facility's policy, which typically involves adding a correction note. Deleting the record or continuing with erroneous information is neither advisable nor legal.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a medical assistant (MA) makes an error while keyboarding an EMR (Electronic Medical Record), and no time has elapsed or use has been made of the erroneous record, the best legal course of action is to notify the supervisor. This is crucial because EMR entries are legal documents and erroneous information can lead to medical errors or legal issues. Once the supervisor is informed, the medical assistant should correct the error in accordance with the facility's policy, which usually involves adding a dated correction note to the EMR explaining the error and the correct information. Deleting the erroneous record is generally not advisable because it can be seen as tampering with medical records. Documenting the error in the patient's chart is also not advisable without first consulting a supervisor or following established procedures. The option to continue using the erroneous record is not correct and could potentially harm the patient and the healthcare provider legally and professionally.