There are three categories that a regulatory reference can fall into.

Structure Requirements

These are the initial conditions that must be present for licensure or certification and are expected to remain as is.

Example: Z115, "A license holder or the license holder's designee must designate in writing an alternate administrator who meets the qualifications and conditions of an administrator to act in the absence of the administrator."

Process Requirements

These requirements specify the manner in which an agency must operate and do not allow the agency discretion to vary from what is expected.

Example: Z476, "(Each client record must include the following elements as applicable to the scope of services provided by the agency…) clinical and progress notes. Such notes must be written the day service is rendered and incorporated into the client record within 14 working days."

Outcome Requirements

These requirements specify the results that must be obtained or events that must occur or not occur following an act.

Example: Z478, "(Each client record must include the following elements as applicable to the scope of services provided by the agency…) medication administration record (if medication is administered by agency staff). Notation must also be made in the medication administration record or in the clinical notes of medications not given and the reason. Any adverse reaction must be reported to a supervisor and documented in the client record."