Influence of Legislation and Policies on Health and Social Care Practice – Level 3 Health and Social Care BTEC Revision

Legislations and policies set the framework for various health and social care practices. They define what is permissible and what is out of bounds for professionals in this field.
Different countries have laws, such as Equality Act 2010 and Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 in the UK, that protect the rights of service users and professionals in health and social care.
Policies connect the tasks performed in health and social care with a wider strategy. For instance, a hospital might have a policy based on National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance promoting washing hands to prevent spread of infection.
Equality and diversity are integral to health and social care. The Equality Act 2010 seeks to prevent discrimination against individuals because of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Child protection laws, such as the Children Act 1989 and Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, offer protection to children and young people. These laws require all who work with children to take necessary steps to keep them safe, including reporting suspected abuse or neglect.
Policies such as those related to whistleblowing allow employees to report unlawful practices or unethical behaviour without fear of punishment.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) conducts regular assessments to ensure that health and social care providers adhere to legal standards and policies. Non-compliance with these can lead to penalties or closure of the service.
Privacy and confidentiality are protected by laws such as the Data Protection Act 2018, which governs how personal data is obtained, stored, used and shared.
Mental Capacity Act 2005 is a crucial legislation that provides a framework for acting and making decisions on behalf of individuals who lack the mental capacity to do so themselves.
Domestic abuse and violence laws such as Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 provide the legal basis for protection and justice for victims of domestic violence.
Health and social care professionals need to respect the autonomy of the individuals they are serving while also ensuring that they do not harm themselves or others. This is often a complex issue involving laws such as the Mental Health Act 2007.
It is essential for health and social care professionals to keep updated with changes in legislation and policies, as these directly impact their practice. Ongoing professional development and training programs often provide updates on these areas.

The respective legislations and policies guide practice and promote safe and effective care within acceptable legal and ethical limits. They ensure that individuals receive health and social care services that respect their human rights and dignity.