SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Utilise relevant legislation, regulations and policy in planning in a health care unit 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252083  Utilise relevant legislation, regulations and policy in planning in a health care unit 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Nursing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services Preventive Health 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful for people working as clinically focused, service orientated, independent, registered staff nurses, who are able to render basic care to persons with stable and uncomplicated general health problems, as determined by the appropriate legislative framework. The learners will function within the scope of practice of a nurse as formulated by the SANC.

This unit standard will recognise the essential knowledge and skills required to utilise relevant legislation, regulations and policy in planning in a health care unit. More specifically learners credited with this unit standard will be able to show that they understand the implications of the legislation and apply legislation to own practice in service delivery.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Identify and apply relevant legislation, regulations and policy in planning health programmes and/or management of a health care unit.
  • Critically analyse the impact of national and local health policies on health care delivery.
  • Identify and respond to breaches of law relating to nursing practice and professional codes. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Constitution of the RSA (Bill of Rights). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria.

    The following scope and context applies to the whole unit standard:
  • The learners will function within the scope of practice of a nurse as formulated by the SANC, regulations institutional policies related to specific occupational settings as well as the parameters of the capabilities of the learner at this level.
  • The context may be a hospital unit, community clinic or mobile clinic. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify and apply legislation, regulations and policy in the delivery of nursing services. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Nursing services include:
  • Planning health programmes and/or management of a health care unit. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Legislation applicable to planning health programmes and/or managing a health care unit is identified and described in terms of their key provisions and implications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Legislation includes:
  • National Health Act (guide to professional practice).
  • Nursing Act.
  • Medicines & Substances Control Act (administration of medicines).
  • Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Act.
  • Child Care (reporting of abuse; protection of children; care of children).
  • Patients' Bill of Rights.
  • Aged Persons Act (protection and care).
  • Access to Information Act (privacy of/access to information).
  • Mental Health Act (basic understanding-types of admission procedures; rights; protection; special provisions for care).
  • Geneva Convention (treatment of incarcerated persons; human rights).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (responsibilities of employers/employees; safe environment).
  • Human Tissue Act (blood transfusions; drawing blood; transplants; organ harvesting; theatre staff and midwives-placentas).
  • Domestic Violence Act (identification and reporting; support to victims).
  • Sexual Offences Act (preservation of evidence).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Regulations and policies pertaining to relevant legislation are identified and described in terms of their specific implications for planning health programmes and/or managing a health care unit. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The provisions and implications of legislation, regulations and policies are discussed in terms of their contribution to the profession of nursing and what it means to apply legislation as a professional. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Relevant legislation, regulations and policies pertaining to a specific unit are collated, stored according to unit procedures, updated as required, and available on request. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Own role and responsibilities for implementation are identified and described with reference to specific aspects of policy or legislation, and the designated scope of authority. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Health care planning in the unit reflects awareness of relevant legislation, regulations and national and institutional policy. Practice is systematically reviewed in terms of the provisions of the legislation to ensure compliance. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Critically analyse the impact of national, provincial and local health policies on health care delivery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Experience and information pertaining to the implementation of policy is gathered using quantitative methods. Information is recorded and stored so that it is readily available as required for review purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The analysis determines the extent to which policies are practical and capable of implementation in terms of current capacity. The analysis identifies the possible adverse effects to staff and/or patients of a lack of capacity. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Capacity includes:
  • Availability of medical and technical stock; availability of skilled persons; roll out plans.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The analysis examines the relevance of policies to the South African context and their impact on health care delivery and the health of people. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Relevance includes:
  • Suitable for climate and conditions; cost effective; culturally appropriate.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Analysis and subsequent feedback is supported by examples from own practical experience of implementation where possible. The feedback is offered in a manner that contributes to and enhances the nursing profession. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Feedback on the impact of national, provincial and local policies are fully substantiated and directed at the appropriate authority through existing formal and informal communication channels. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Feedback is tracked to determine the impact of the feedback on practice. Advocacy skills are used to promote policy review and change where necessary. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Identify and respond to breaches of law relating to nursing practice and professional codes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The scope of own practice, and that of colleagues, is clearly defined in terms of current legislation, regulations and policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Actions that constitute a breach of the law are accurately identified and described with reference to the consequences of such actions under law. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Own responsibility to identify and report breaches, and/or take the necessary steps to ensure compliance where this is within own scope, is explained with reference to relevant legislation, regulations and codes of conduct. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role of the South African Nursing Council is described with respect to breaches of the law and actions the Council is empowered to take. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Actions include:
  • Report to police; report to council; report to other professional regulatory bodies; suspension of members.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Accreditation Options:
  • Providers of learning towards this unit standard will need to meet the accreditation requirements of the relevant ETQA.

    Moderation Option:
  • The moderation requirements of the relevant ETQA must be met in order to award credit to learners for this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

    Understanding and application of:
  • Relevant channels of communication.
  • Government structures (local provincial and national).
  • Health care systems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.

    Note: The application of legislation in practice implies problem-solving and decision making on an ongoing basis. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note: Work with the unit in applying and ensuring compliance. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note: Must be effectively organised and managed in terms of legislation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note: Core to the standard. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

    Note: Implied in communicating and maintaining compliance. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Note: As legislation applies to the use of medicines and equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Note: Core to the standard-implications of legislation for own practice. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure that evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    The following particular issues should be taken into consideration when assessing against this unit standard:

    The SANC guidelines are used as a reference for integrated assessment:
  • Formative Assessment: A variety of assessment strategies and/or approaches integrating theory and practice must be used. These could be tests, assignments, projects, demonstrations or clinical assessments or any other applicable method.
  • Summative: This could take a form of oral, written and/or practical assessments as agreed to with the relevant ETQA.

    Definition of Terms:

    Terms have been clarified as far as possible through the use of range statements. Further clarification of terms is provided as follows:
  • None. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59236   National Diploma: Nursing  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2020-07-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Core  59257   Bachelor of Nursing  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.