What is true of associating NRs?

• A. NRs may only be associated if they are documented under the same PHIS task
• B. NRs may only be associated if the noncompliances are due to the same cause
• C. NRs may only be associated if the noncompliances occur during the same week
• D. NRs may only be associated if the non-compliances are due to the same regulation(s) in each instance

Answer: (B)

Associating nonconformance reports is about linking separate NR events that share the same underlying cause. When multiple nonconformances stem from the same root issue, grouping them together lets you perform a focused root‑cause analysis and implement one corrective action plan that tackles the real problem, rather than treating each NR in isolation. The key idea is not about where the NR occurred, what week it happened, or which regulation is involved; those factors can vary and are not the basis for association. Only when the nonconformances arise from the same root cause should they be associated, because that reveals a systemic issue and supports effective, coordinated improvement.