Regional policy and procedure development: a seven-step process

In October 1997, Nova Scotia's Eastern Regional Health Board undertook the development of regional policies and procedures relating to both its governance and management responsibilities. The process that was adopted included delegation of tasks to work groups; development of general administrative policies and procedures in accordance with accreditation guidelines and present health restructuring initiatives; coordination of the development of the policies and procedures within a specific framework; and development of standardized clinical policies. A steering committee initiated the project, which involved 24 subgroups.