1.1 Describe the relationship between legislation, policies and procedures.
The term “legislation” in the context of health and social care refers to a collection of governmental laws that must be strictly followed by both individuals and institutions; if professionals or institutions fail to do so, it will result in sanctions and criminal prosecution of the offending party. The government authorises the construction and operation of healthcare facilities and issues professional licenses through the necessary laws.
Usually, this is done to stifle unethical behaviour and prevent quacks and unqualified practitioners from overrunning the system, protecting the public’s health in the process. These laws facilitate access to grants and other money from corporate entities and nongovernmental organisations through legal procedures. Through government-enacted safety laws, such as HASAWA 1974, and health and social care legislation, laws have also helped to make our facilities and workplaces secure. These laws ensure that patients are given the most effective, efficient, and reasonably priced care available throughout the nation as it is throughout the world. Laws guarantee that everyone is treated equitably, regardless of their sexual orientation, colour, or religion.
Policies and procedures refer to standards that healthcare professionals and facilities must strictly abide by on a daily basis in order to operate in compliance with the law. Different between these two, while policies are an interpretation of the legislation that explains how the organisation operates in accordance with the law, procedures serve as step-by-step guides for specific situations.
Policies also convey to the public the vision and objective of the facilities and their staff. Policies and procedures serve as a guide and guarantee that all actions taken by employees within and outside of the institution comply with all applicable laws.
Policies and procedures help with effective decision-making and guarantee that the world’s finest practices are attainable. This ensures efficient operation of the organisation and timely detection and correction of errors and breaches. An organisation’s rules and procedures should be appropriate since they promote workers’ unity, guarantee quality service delivery, and allow for adequate supervision. This raises staff morale and generates favourable ratings for the organisation. An organisation’s rules and procedures should ensure a decrease in workplace accidents, which lowers the risk of liability of the organisation.
To provide a uniformly high-quality service to everyone, each organisation member must be aware of its policies and mission statement. Although organisations have different policies and procedures, they must all adhere to 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.