POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL

QMA Risk Management LLC
Victoria Grace 1/24/2012
v3

Definitions

Policies

Policies are brief and written in clear, concise, simple language.
Policy statements address what is the rule (your rule) rather than how to implement the rule.
Policy statements represent a consistent, logical framework.

Procedures

Procedures are tied to policies; they are implementation outlines.
Procedures are well developed and thought out, and provide guidance to the procedure user.
Procedures are written so that what needs to be done can be easily followed by any user.
Procedures which are unnecessarily restrictive or overly detailed limit their usefulness.
Be concise with a minimum of verbiage.
Don�t include information that may be quickly outdated (e.g., names).
If you use an acronym, spell it out the first time you use it.
Not too technical�just a simple phrasing of the essential steps works best.
Use white space generously.
Structure the procedure so that the user can quickly focus on the aspect of relevant to their decision/task at hand.
Use a flexible, modular outline to make the document easy to revise (and therefore keep up-to-date).
Introduce key points through the judicious use of labels
Foster a sense of ownership among procedure users by involving them in the development of midwifery practice procedures.

Note: policies and procedures are generally administrative in nature and intent. Policies are usually short, one to three sentences, and give the basis for the attendant procedure. You should not have a procedure without an underlying policy. Even if that policy is not yet articulated � it is there. You may, however, have administrative policies that do not require a procedure.

DESIGN AN INTRODUCTION STATEMENT FOR YOUR POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL

Please use your own words to make this a unique expression of how you interact with your policies and procedures, and how you want others to relate to them, including clients, colleagues, other health care providers, midwifery students, volunteers, regulatory personnel, etc. Use whatever is consistent with your midwifery style and actions; add what is missing that is an ongoing part of your midwifery practice.

Systematically developed
Reviewed on an annual basis and/or revised when changes in the law, circumstances or style of practice occur
Developed to improve client care and increase satisfaction
Consistent with current regulations and midwifery standards of care
Provide guidance for administrative activities
Communicate with clients, staff, volunteers, students and other health care providers
Train and inform new midwifery, student and administrative staff
Assist in maintaining consistent work practices
Resource and references for staff to inform about administrative operations

etc...