The following guidelines for healthcare practitioners are helpful for staying within the scope of practice while operating within the law and policy of any healthcare facility.

• Practice within the scope of your training and capabilities.
• Use the professional title commensurate with your education and experience.
• Maintain confidentiality
• Prepare and maintain health records.
• Document accurately
• Use appropriate legal and ethical guidelines when releasing information.
• Follow an employer's established policies dealing with the health care contract.
• Follow legal guidelines and maintain awareness of health care legislation and regulations.
• Maintain and dispose of regulated substances in compliance with government guidelines.
• Follow established risk management and safety procedures.
• Meet the requirements for professional credentialing.
• Help develop and maintain personnel, policy, and procedure manuals.

Select 2 of these and discuss why they are important for building effective provider/patient relationships and maintaining a standard of care.  Are there other guidelines you would add to this list?  Use examples based on your experiences.