How must an entry in a resident's medical record be characterized?

An entry in a resident's medical record must be characterized as dated, legible, and authenticated to ensure that the documentation is reliable and useful for patient care.

When an entry is dated, it provides a clear timeline of events, treatments, and progress, which is essential for ongoing care and can also be important in legal contexts. Legibility is crucial because medical records must be easily readable to all healthcare personnel involved in the resident's care; illegible writing can lead to misunderstandings and possible errors in treatment. Authentication signifies that the entry has been confirmed by the appropriate healthcare provider, usually through a signature or electronic confirmation, thereby affirming accountability and professionalism regarding the information recorded.

Other options might focus on aspects of confidentiality or organization, but they do not emphasize the critical attributes of time, clarity, and responsibility inherent in effective medical record-keeping. Ensuring that medical records are dated, legible, and authenticated is fundamental to maintaining the integrity and utility of the documentation in healthcare settings.