# Corrective and preventive action > CAPA (corrective and preventive action) fixes the cause of a problem, then checks that the fix worked. Healthcare rules often say corrective action. Source: https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/corrective-and-preventive-action ยท Updated Oct 5, 2026 Also known as: CAPA, corrective action, corrective action plan ## What CAPA covers Corrective action removes the cause of a problem that has happened. Preventive action removes the cause of one that has not happened yet, such as one found in a near miss or an audit. Each needs an owner, a due date, proof it was done and a check that it worked. In IncidentKit, each action has an owner, due date, evidence and an effectiveness check. Nothing closes until it is verified. ## Where it is in the rules - CMS, nursing homes: fixes that change systems and are tracked for results (42 CFR 483.75(d)(2) and (f)(5)). - CMS, surgery centers: judge every improvement for effect (42 CFR 416.43(e)(2)). - Joint Commission: strong actions that remove or control hazards and last, with a timeline and measures. - OSHA process safety management: resolve incident findings fast and record the fixes (29 CFR 1910.119(m)(5)). - FDA: device makers follow the Quality Management System Regulation (effective February 2, 2026). It adds ISO 13485 to 21 CFR Part 820. Mix-up: CAPA is internal. A [plan of correction](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/plan-of-correction) answers a survey finding. Training and new policies are the weakest tier in VA's ranking of actions. Use them with, not instead of, changes to equipment or process. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between corrective and preventive action? Corrective action fixes a problem that already happened, like repeat wrong-dose events. Preventive action fixes one that could happen, like a hazard found on a walk-through. ### Is CAPA the same as a plan of correction? No. A plan of correction is the facility's written answer to survey findings. CAPA is internal. A CAPA record can supply the proof a plan of correction describes. ### When can a corrective action be closed? When it is done and a check against a measure set in advance shows it worked. Finishing a task shows work was done, not that the problem stopped. ## Sources - [42 CFR 483.75: Nursing home QAPI](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/section-483.75) - [42 CFR 416.43: ASC QAPI condition for coverage](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/section-416.43) - [Joint Commission: Sentinel Event Policy (SE chapter), Comprehensive Accreditation Manual, Update 1, July 2026](https://www.jointcommission.org/-/media/tjc/documents/resources/patient-safety-topics/sentinel-event/camncc_20_se_all_current.pdf) - [OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119: Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.119) - [FDA: Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR)](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/postmarket-requirements-devices/quality-management-system-regulation-qmsr) - [21 CFR 820.10: Requirements for a quality management system](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/section-820.10) - [VHA National Center for Patient Safety: Root cause analysis (page and Guide to Performing a Root Cause Analysis, rev. 02/05/2021)](https://www.patientsafety.va.gov/professionals/onthejob/rca.asp) ## Related terms - [Root cause analysis](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/root-cause-analysis) - [Effectiveness review](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/effectiveness-review) - [Plan of correction](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/plan-of-correction) - [Hierarchy of controls](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/hierarchy-of-controls) - [Performance improvement project](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/performance-improvement-project) ## Related - [Root cause analysis and CAPA: methods and strong actions](https://incidentkit.ai/guides/root-cause-analysis-and-capa-guide) - [Corrective Actions: How to Close Them With Proof](https://incidentkit.ai/use-cases/close-corrective-actions) - [Corrective Action Plan Template (CAPA, Printable)](https://incidentkit.ai/templates/corrective-action-plan) - [Corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) tracking](https://incidentkit.ai/product/corrective-actions) - [Plan of correction (CMS-2567): elements and 10-day deadline](https://incidentkit.ai/compliance/survey-readiness/plan-of-correction)