Which role is responsible for initiating corrective action when test results do not meet requirements?

• A. Quality Assurance Investigator (QAI)
• B. Department Head (DH)
• C. Commanding Officer (CO)
• D. Quality Assurance Officer (QAO)

Answer: (D)

When test results fail to meet requirements, the emphasis is on correcting the process that produced the nonconformance and preventing it from happening again. The Quality Assurance Officer is the one who oversees the QA program, reviews the data from testing, and initiates corrective action (CAPA) to address the root cause. This role coordinates the investigation, assigns responsibilities, ensures the proposed fixes are implemented, and verifies their effectiveness before closing the issue. The QA Investigator is typically involved in conducting the investigation and documenting findings, but the authority to initiate formal corrective actions and drive them through to closure rests with the Quality Assurance Officer. Leaders like the Department Head or Commanding Officer set policy and provide resources, but they do not routinely initiate corrective actions based on test results.