Is an order with a given phase of care always signed or signed and held?

The correct understanding is that an order with a given phase of care is not always signed or signed and held. In the context of clinical workflows, it's important to recognize that orders can exist in various states.

Typically, orders may need to be reviewed or confirmed by a clinician before being finalized. Therefore, an order can be 'held' for further information, adjustments, or simply because additional confirmation is required from the medical team. Also, there may be instances where an order is entered but not yet signed off, indicating it is still pending action from the appropriate provider.

In some cases, an order may be active and could be in a signed state, but it might not be actively followed due to care pathways, certain protocols, or delays within the system. Hence, the variability in how orders are managed means that they aren't universally categorized as signed or signed and held in every instance. This understanding is crucial for ensuring appropriate patient care and adherence to clinical protocols.