Question

A counselor has just completed a handwritten progress note in a client's chart. What is the best procedure for correcting an error they just noticed in their note

Answer 1

Answer:

Draw one straight line through it and initial it.

Explanation:

Whatever was written before the mistake was made must be legible to those who read the progress note and the initials are to show that whomever wrote the note was responsible for correcting the mistake.  Progress notes are considered a legal document and can be used in a court of law or a hearing if proper channels are followed.  Each progress note must be signed by the writer with the writer's title which is why initials are needed when mistakes are made.