title: Developing a policy manual.
abstract: Do you really need to have a policy and procedure in the office? Frequently they are seen sitting on the shelf, collecting dust. The answer is yes for a number of very important reasons. A policy and procedure manual is a tool to set guidelines and expectations on the basis of the mission and vision of the office. A well-written manual is a powerful training tool for new staff so they can get a feel for the office culture. Furthermore, it is a provincial or state legislative requirement that can reduce management's concern about potential legal issues or problems. If an office does not have a manual to set guidelines, the employees may be forced to make their own decisions to solve problems, which can often result in confusion, inconsistencies, and mistakes.
authors: American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses, 45 Wild Cherry Lane, Thornhill, Ontario, Canada. psn@aspsn.org
authors: Tracey A
authors: TA
authors: Hotta
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008370:Manuals as Topic; D009817:Office Management / Q000592:standards*; D057766:Policy; D011216:Practice Management, Medical / Q000592:standards*