Organizing and documenting clinical standards.

The concept of clinical standards of care is not new, but it is one that often is difficult for nurse managers to implement and maintain as part of the daily practice within their Nursing Service. Written clinical standards of Nursing Service were reorganized and streamlined to respond comprehensively to JCAHO, legal, and professional practice requirements and to decreased professional nursing resources. The documentation system developed fulfills medical center requirements and uses non-repetitious, easily understood forms which clearly reflect role differentiation.