Which statement about progress notes is accurate?

• A. Progress notes are optional and may be skipped.
• B. Progress notes focus only on client feelings.
• C. Progress notes are used only for billing.
• D. Progress notes capture client status and changes in the plan, supporting continuity of care.

Answer: (D)

Progress notes capture the client's ongoing status, the interventions used, the client’s response, and any changes to the treatment plan. They provide a clear, chronological record that helps other professionals understand where the client is in care, coordinate services across providers, and maintain a legal and ethical trail of what was done and why. A good progress note includes the date and time, observed and reported information, progress toward goals, any barriers or safety concerns, and the plan for next steps. They’re not optional or limited to how a client feels, and they aren’t solely for billing; while billing can rely on notes, the primary purpose is to guide and document clinical care.