South Carolina Long Term Health Care Administrator Practice Test

Facilities must have what type of plan regarding verbal orders?

1. An oral plan

2. A written plan

3. A visual plan

4. An electronic plan

The correct answer is: A written plan

Facilities must have a written plan regarding verbal orders to ensure clarity, accountability, and legal compliance in health care practices. The importance of having a written plan lies in the need for accurate documentation, facilitating communication among staff, and minimizing the risk of errors associated with verbal orders. A written plan will typically outline procedures for how verbal orders should be issued, recorded, and later transcribed into the patient's medical record. This process is crucial as it provides a clear framework for staff to follow, which helps prevent misunderstandings or misinterpretations that could affect patient care. Additionally, having a written process ensures that there is a formal record that can be referenced for quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Verbal orders can lead to confusion and errors if not documented promptly and accurately, hence the reliance on a written policy to govern how these transactions occur within a facility.