Issues in Implementation and Enforcement of Hospital Pharmacy Policies and Procedures

Abstract

Policies (a type of long-range plan) and procedures (a type of short-range plan) are corporate statements that reflect the organization's objectives. Whereas policies are guidelines for guiding a work effort, procedures represent an acceptable set of steps for carrying out the specific policy. As such, it is vital to orient new employees as to the content of policies and procedures. Flexibility in enforcement of policies and procedures helps encourage employee creativity and innovation, although any departure from established policies and procedures may be viewed as a breach of the hospital pharmacy's standards of practice. Furthermore, in a civil lawsuit, a lawyer may argue that various hospital documents, such as memoranda or notes related to policies or procedures, are part of policies and procedures. Policies and procedures are vital segments of institutional life that should be communicated to all employees. Failure to follow them may create liability risk.