11/05/2026

You Asked... We Answered

Are physicians required to sign their progress notes on the same day they conduct a physician visit?

You Asked: Are physicians required to sign their progress notes on the same day they conduct a physician visit? 

We Answered: No. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has confirmed that F711 does not require physicians to sign or close their progress notes on the same day as the visit. ODH has also clarified that there is no regulatory expectation for immediate signature or closure of physician progress notes to demonstrate compliance with F711. 

Facilities are not required to establish or revise policies to mandate same-day physician signatures. Rather, medical directors and administrators should work collaboratively to establish policies and procedures that support timely completion of physician documentation, consistent with professional standards and the intent of the regulation. 

Additionally, ODH also confirmed that F712 includes guidance outlining required physician visit frequencies and the circumstances under which nurse practitioners may conduct visits. When evaluating compliance with physician visit requirements, surveyors are instructed to consider visits conducted by nurse practitioners where permitted by regulation.