Find the current approved reference

Use the approved source to verify version, applicability, and review ownership.

A reference appearing in an index does not establish that it is current or applies to a particular role or location. Open the organization's approved source and check its document status, version, effective information, and stated scope there. If applicability or ownership is unclear, use the maintained local document-control route.

The sample entries below illustrate a lookup pattern for Northstar Services; they are not live documents or clinical guidance.

Sample document index

Fictional lookup examples; confirm the approved source and review role locally.

Sample document index
Topic Source to check Review role
Unit-approved reference collection Published unit document library Unit information owner
Shift handoff format Approved handoff resource Charge nurse role
Equipment documentation index Maintained equipment documentation library Equipment documentation owner

Separate lookup from interpretation

When the document is easy to find

Check the approved source's version and scope before relying on it. Use the route named by the organization when a role or location question remains.

When ownership or applicability is unclear

Tell the unit information owner which topic and source you checked, then follow the locally maintained document-control route. Do not treat this sample index as clinical interpretation.