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News & Knowledge

Florida Handbook: Documentation

WHAT ITEMS SHOULD BE PRESENT IN A PATIENT’S MEDICAL RECORD?

The importance of careful and accurate documentation in the medical record cannot be overstated. In a malpractice lawsuit, the medical record is an essential element of your defense, and its contents may affect the outcome. Clear and comprehensive documentation also enables a physician to plan and evaluate treatments and to communicate with other providers. Guarding the integrity of office practice medical records is the responsibility of the physician(s). Policies and procedures should govern how and when documentation occurs in your office.

Florida law has specific requirements for what is contained within a patient’s medical record. First and foremost, the patient’s medical…

Curi’s risk mitigation resources and guidance are offered for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not medical or legal advice, does not replace independent professional judgment, does not constitute an endorsement of any kind, should not be deemed authoritative, and does not establish a standard of care in clinical settings or in courts of law. If you need legal advice, you should consult your independent/corporate counsel. We have found that using risk mitigation efforts can reduce malpractice risk; however, we do not make any guarantees that following these risk recommendations will prevent a complaint, claim, or suit from occurring, or mitigate the outcome(s) associated with any of them.

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