When correcting handwritten errors, what should you do?

• A. Draw a single line through the error, then date and sign the correction
• B. Erase completely and rewrite
• C. Use white-out
• D. Leave as is

Answer: (A)

When correcting handwritten entries, maintain an unbroken record of what happened and who made the change. The best approach is to draw a single straight line through the error so the original text remains legible, then date and sign the correction. Add the corrected information in the appropriate place, with your initials and the date to show who made the correction and when. This creates a clear audit trail and preserves the integrity of the medical record.

Erasing completely or using white-out hides the original entry and can be considered altering the record. Leaving the error as is leaves the mistake unreconciled, and rewriting the text entirely can obscure the history of the entry.