---
title: "Data-hygiene prompts for Notion AI: keep matters complete"
url: https://thematteros.com/features/agent_hygiene
updated: 2026-10-17
author: Raghav Handa
---

# Data-hygiene prompts for Notion AI: keep matters complete

Hygiene prompts ask Notion AI to inspect your MatterOS databases for gaps: matters with no responsible lawyer, actions with no date, evidence with no classification. MatterOS includes no autonomous agent for this. You run the prompt, verify with a filtered view and fix the records yourself; custom agents may automate the prompt where your plan allows.

## Key takeaways

- Completeness is what lets dashboards and AI be trusted.
- Filtered views find the same gaps without AI and should be your check.
- The AI summary is a convenience; it can miss or misread records.
- No prompt changes data unless you instruct it and approve the change.

## Why hygiene matters

A dashboard only reflects what is entered. Empty owners and dates make overdue lists lie. Regular checks keep the Matter Method's tests passable.


## Prompts to adapt

| Gap | Prompt (example) |
| --- | --- |
| No lawyer | List open matters with no responsible lawyer. |
| No next step | List open matters with no incomplete action. |
| Undated actions | List actions with no due date, with their matters. |
| Unclassified evidence | List evidence entries with no classification or review status. |
| Unlinked time | List time entries not linked to a matter. |

These are examples for this page; edit the property names to match your workspace.


## How to run a hygiene pass

1. Create a filtered view for each gap: These views are your reliable check.
2. Run the prompt as a cross-check: Compare with the views.
3. Fix the records: Edit them in the database.
4. Repeat monthly: As part of the review.

- Weekly review: https://thematteros.com/features/review
- AI and structure first: https://thematteros.com/blog/ai-for-small-law-firms-structure-first


## What it is not

It is not an agent that runs by itself unless you configure one in Notion, not a compliance audit and not a substitute for supervision. If you use Notion's custom agents, restrict them to the pages they need and review what they change.


## Setting up a custom agent, if your plan has them

Where Notion offers custom agents on your plan, you can save a hygiene prompt, point it at specific databases and run it on a schedule. Keep the instruction narrow, such as report gaps in a page and never edit records. Review the first several reports against your filtered views before trusting it. Check Notion's current documentation, because agent features and limits change, and nothing in MatterOS depends on them.


## FAQ

### Is there a hygiene agent in MatterOS?

No; there are prompts and views you run.

### Can AI fix records for me?

It can suggest changes; review before accepting any edit.

### How often should I check?

Monthly, or weekly for active matters.

### Do I need Notion AI?

The filtered views work without it.