*TS: 5 Sure-Fire Methods: Effectively Manage the Collection of Health Information[®] [Pearl: IM, MD, RN] The Source, February 2014, Vol 12, #2, Pg 2  JCs1402

Pearl: When two or more instances of prohibited abbreviations are found, it will result in an RFI under standard IM.02.02.01 (previously NPSG.02.02.01).  This is the most common citation for this standard. In addition to educating, refreshing staff and holding them accountable for knowing and avoiding Do-Not-Use (DNU) abbreviations, this article also recommends developing a list of approved abbreviations.  This latter suggestion has been known to shoot organizations in the foot, however, as they are then surveyed for DNU abbreviations AND your approved list (which is not a requirement of TJC standards).

Tip: Periodically remind/quiz professionals about DNU abbreviations and routinely spot check handwritten documents (especially MD orders) for compliance.