A deficiency is an item that must be addressed before a chart can be closed. Deficiencies may be applied at the document level or at the chart level.
At the document level, a common deficiency is a missing signature. For example, a signature deficiency may be created on a History and Physical if the author forgot to sign it.
At the chart level, a common deficiency is a missing document. For example, a missing document deficiency may be created if a chart is missing the History and Physical.
If a deficiency goes unresolved, it may result in a delinquency. See Delinquency.