1.1 Describe the relationship between legislation, policies and procedures.
An organisational policy is usually based on legislation, which is the legal framework enacted by the government that encompasses all operations. To ensure compliance with the law and best practices, healthcare practitioners must adhere to local and organisational policies.
Policies define how an organisation performs actions and makes decisions. Policies are flexible and non-specific because they are guidance, but they must still be within the scope of the law. For example, an organisation will have a policy in place to protect children. Procedures are the specific ways in which activities are carried out. An organisation, for example, will have a “safeguarding children” procedure that outlines what should be done if a member of staff suspects a child is being abused.
In comparison to other sectors, a health and social care provider requires a wide range of policies. When the complexity of care or support increases, so does the number of policies and procedures. To register as a care service in any part of the United Kingdom, one must have stringent policies and procedures in place. They must adhere to current legislation. It is critical to keep in mind that policies and procedures must be updated to reflect any relevant legislative or regulatory changes.
Policies and procedures are used in tandem to help those who work in care settings. A health and social care policy specifies what must be done, why it must be done, and how the organisation intends to approach specific issues. A procedure in health and social care is a written set of step-by-step instructions for how to carry out a specific activity, such as medication administration. Unlike policies, procedures are less concerned with the overall attitude and approach; they will walk a staff member through each step, such as when assisting service users with eating and drinking or administering medication.
Policies and procedures in health and social care are critical for protecting the people being cared for and ensuring an organisation is in compliance with regulations and the law.
Other answers in the full document:
- 1.2. Summarise legislation in relation to health and social care.
- 1.3. Analyse how legislation informs policies and procedures in health and social care provision.
- 2.1. Explain reasons for professional standards and codes of practice within the health and social care sector.
- 2.2. Summarise requirements of professional standards and codes of practice.
- 3.1. Explain the functions of national and local health and social care provision.
- 3.2. Describe factors that influence national and local service delivery.
- 4.1. Explain the roles and responsibilities of health and social care practitioners.
- 4.2. Describe different working relationships in health and social care settings.
- 4.3. Explain the need for health and social care practitioners to adhere to the boundaries of their own job role.