Operational Directives (OD) - Category 1 document
The determining factor as to whether a document is an Operational Directive is not its title (eg strategy, standard, policy etc), but whether it must be complied with. Documents of this nature will be notified to the WA public health system by way of Operational Directive. Compliance with Operational Directives is mandatory.
Examples of matters that will be advised by Operational Directive are:
- Application of industrial agreements and awards
- Government policy directions
- Clinical protocols, and
- Incident reporting
Approval
Operational Directives require approval by the Director General
Information Circular (IC) - Category 2 document
Documents that provide advice or guidance will be issued to the WA public health system as Information Circulars.
Information Circulars are not to be used for policy matters, although they may be used to advise the existence or changes in status of such documents. Information Circulars are to be kept brief and written in plain language.
Examples of matters that will be advised by Information Circular are:
- Industrial award variations.
- Fee increases (gazetted under legislation).
- Advice re introduction of new legislation.
- Training courses.
- Public holidays.
Approval
Information Circulars require the approval of Executive Directors or Directors when issued out of the Department and Area Health Chief Executives when issued out of an Area Health Service.