What is a corrective action request (CAR) considered for closure?

The closure of a corrective action request (CAR) is fundamentally dependent on the successful implementation and verification of the corrective action taken to address the identified issue. This process ensures that the action not only has been carried out, but also that its effectiveness has been thoroughly assessed.

Implementing a corrective action is just one step; verification is crucial because it indicates that the action taken has resolved the initial problem and prevented recurrence. This verification could involve various forms of assessment, such as audits, observations, or data analysis to confirm that the corrective measures have worked as intended.

While documenting the corrective action, team approval, or discussing it in a meeting may be significant steps within the broader context of quality management, they do not signify the completion of the corrective action request. The CAR cannot be deemed closed until there is clear evidence that the implemented actions are effective and are likely to mitigate future occurrences of the problem.