Approved Documentation: What is the definition of Approved Documentation

[lorenambrose]

In the world of QMS, we all know the importance of using "APPROVED" documentation. However I have never seen a real definition for Approved.

I would like to see how some of you guys would define APPROVED DOCUMENTATION.

Here is how I defined it:

Approved documentation is defined as data which has been formally reviewed, accepted and authorized for production use without the need for technical oversight. Prototype or draft documents shall NOT be considered approved documentation.



How would you define it?

[JaneB]

In Reply to Parent Post by lorenambrose

In the world of QMS, we all know the importance of using "APPROVED" documentation. However I have never seen a real definition for Approved.

I would like to see how some of you guys would define APPROVED DOCUMENTATION.

Here is how I defined it:

Approved documentation is defined as data which has been formally reviewed, accepted and authorized for production use without the need for technical oversight. Prototype or draft documents shall NOT be considered approved documentation.

How would you define it?

More simply: someone with the authority to do so has agreed to the document being in use.
I just go back to the normal meaning of approve per dictionaries, etc, eg, 'agree with', 'permit/allow'.

Re. yours, good for you for attempting a definition. I think narrowing it to 'production' use only and adding in 'technical oversight' is thinking too narrowly (none of my service-based clients would follow your meaning, for example) and I don't follow what 'without need for technical oversight' means. But if it works in your organisation, then it's right for you.

In my mind, the point of having a procedure is to clarify what is approved, how & when & who by.

[keres]

Approved also mean signed

[jkuil]

In Reply to Parent Post by keres

Approved also mean signed

Not every signature is to approve a document. In addition the signature does not need to be on the document itself.

Approval = Authoritative permission that makes a document, record, or course of action valid.

Approved documentation = Documentation that has obtained the valid/effective status through a formal permission by a responsible person with the apporpiate authority.

[AndyN]

In Reply to Parent Post by keres

Approved also mean signed

I don't believe it does...

If I'm a manager and I approve a document and authorize its use, why would it need a signature?

[AndyN]

A (controlled) document (not data, btw) which management has authorized to be used. By definition, drafts etc are not approved, since they are still under development.

[Randy]

In Reply to Parent Post by keres

Approved also mean signed

No it doesn't Please don't state absolutes when they don't exist. There is not one single place where you can find that approval absolutely means signed. (At least in ISO based management systems) Signing something can be a method of approval but it isn't the only method.

[ddunn]

Approved document - A document at a specific revision level has been authorized for use in its intended purpose.