Question

If a paper medical record needs to be corrected, which of the following would be an acceptable way to make the correction?

A) Erase the Mistake
B) Use Correction Fluid
C) Draw a Single Line Through the Error and Initial it
D) Tear the Page and Rewrite

Answer 1

The correct method to amend a paper medical record is to draw a single line through the error, write the correct information, and then initial and date the correction. Using erasures, correction fluid, or tearing the page is not acceptable.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a paper medical record needs to be corrected, the acceptable way to make the correction is to draw a single line through the error and initial it. This method ensures that the original content is still legible and that the correction is attributable to a specific individual. Erasing a mistake or using correction fluid is not acceptable because it undermines the integrity of the record and does not preserve a clear audit trail. Tearing the page and rewriting is also inappropriate as it destroys the original record. Instead, after drawing a line through the error, you should write the correct information nearby and initial and date the correction for proper documentation.