What should be done after implementing a corrective action plan?

• A. Close the issue without review.
• B. Publish a press release.
• C. Verify effectiveness.
• D. Discard the CAP.

Answer: (C)

After putting a corrective action plan in place, the next step is to verify its effectiveness. This means checking that the changes actually fixed the problem and that the improvement will last, not just provide a temporary fix. You verify by collecting data, measuring relevant indicators, and comparing performance to the baseline before the actions were taken. Methods like a follow-up audit, re-testing the process, or reviewing updated control measures help confirm whether the root cause has been addressed.

If the verification shows the improvement worked, document the evidence, update procedures or the control plan, and formally close the CAP. If results show the actions didn’t achieve the desired effect, adjust the plan and implement additional measures, then re-run verification until the improvement is sustained. Actions such as closing the issue without review or issuing a press release don’t provide evidence of effectiveness and aren’t appropriate steps in this process.