After de-duplication, which statement best describes the canonical result?

• A. The most recent record is authoritative
• B. The merged, authoritative record after deduplication
• C. The record is deleted after review
• D. It is archived after deduplication

Answer: (B)

De-duplication produces a single merged patient record that serves as the authoritative source. It combines data from all duplicate records into one canonical, reconciled record, using rules to determine the most accurate values for each field and linking related encounters and data to that one identity. This makes the merged, authoritative record the true single source of truth across systems. Choosing the most recent record misses data from other duplicates that may be correct, while deleting or archiving doesn’t establish a single source of truth—the canonical result is the merged record that results from deduplication.