What is the purpose of a progress note?

• A. A dated entry recording ongoing activities and updates toward the case plan.
• B. A one-time plan with multi-goals.
• C. A record of financial transactions.
• D. A legal document filed with the court.

Answer: (D)

Progress notes are dated, ongoing records that capture what happened in each contact, documenting activities and updates toward the case plan. They record what services were provided, the client’s status and response, any changes to the plan, and the next steps or referrals made. This creates a clear, chronological trail that the whole team can follow, helping maintain continuity of care and track progress over time. It’s about daily or periodic progress, not a single static plan. It’s also not used for financial transactions or court filings, which are separate kinds of documents.