to main content History and Physical - Update Requirements When Procedures are Performed During Inpatient Stay | Hospital and Hospital Clinics | Provision of Care Treatment and Services PC | The Joint Commission
History and Physical - Update Requirements When Procedures are Performed During Inpatient Stay

What are the requirements for updating a history and physical when surgery or a procedure requiring anesthesia services is performed at a later point during an admission?

Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.

If the history and physical (H & P) is completed as required (see PC.01.02.03 EP 4), then a surgical procedure or other procedure requiring anesthesia services is to be completed at a later point during the admission, an update to the H & P is not required as the daily progress notes serve as the updates. The medical staff is responsible for determining who is responsible for entering daily progress notes as well as the required contents of such notes.

To summarize, a properly executed history and physical is valid for the entire length of stay.  Any changes to the patient's condition would be documented in the daily progress notes.  A new H & P or update to the H & P is not required when the patient remains continuously hospitalized. If the patient has been discharged, then readmitted, there must be a valid history and physical (no greater than 30 days) and updated within 24 hours after re-admission/registration but prior to a surgical procedure or other procedure requiring anesthesia.
 

Manual: Hospital and Hospital Clinics
Chapter: Provision of Care Treatment and Services PC
Last reviewed by Standards Interpretation: August 23, 2022 Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. annual review).
First published date: March 31, 2017 This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on August 23, 2022 with update notes of: Review only, FAQ is current Types of changes and an explanation of change type: Editorial changes only: Format changes only. No changes to content. | Review only, FAQ is current: Periodic review completed, no changes to content. | Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements.
Was this response helpful?

If no, please comment on how we could improve this response.

If you have additional standards-related questions regarding this topic, please use the Standards Online Submission Form

Get Extra Help with Books and E-books

Browse our gallery of books and e-books to find trusted prep and readiness resources, practical checklists and toolkits, and resources on specialized health care topics.

Stay Informed with Online Education

Online education is the most convenient and cost-effective way to educate your staff and minimize expenses without the need to leave your organization.

Reach Your Safety Goals with eProducts

Assessing and sustaining compliance with accreditation standards or CMS CoPs can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Rely on our proven software solutions developed by our team of industry experts.

Can't Find What You're Looking For?

If you do not find an answer to your question, please contact the Standards Interpretation Group (SIG).

Note: To provide adequate support to those organizations that are either accredited/certified or seeking accreditation/certification, we will only answer those questions submitted by those organizations seeking accreditation/certification or currently accredited/certified by the Joint Commission. The Joint Commission no longer answers questions submitted by students or vendors. Thank you for your understanding.