A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Project Period:

1 November 1992-30 November 1995

Federal Funding Source:

Department of Education

Federal:

$1,020,156

Non-Federal:

1,062,612

Total:

$2,082,768

Occupational Area(s):

Health care core (applying to all workers in health services) and four occupational clusters: therapeutic, diagnostic, information services, and environmental services

Status:

Draft standards were published in December 1994. Final standards were published in November 1995.

Description of standards document:

The standards make explicit the knowledge and skills health care workers need in order to provide quality health care. The standards include: a core set of skills essential and appropriate to all workers in health services; and four clusters of related occupations and functions. The standards for these core and cluster areas target health care workers primarily at the career-entry and technical (i.e., pre-baccalaureate) levels. The booklet also contains descriptions of project background, an approach to the development and validation of standards, the relationship of the National Health Care Skill Standards Project standards to generic workplace readiness standards, and occupational-specific standards, as well as guidelines for intended uses of the standards, (i.e., employer, human resources use, curriculum development and assessment).

Description of companion document:

Not applicable.

Excerpt(s) of a standard:

Safety Practices: Health care workers will understand the existing and potential hazards to clients, coworkers, and self. They will prevent injury or illness through safe work practices and follow health and safety policies and procedures.

The following may be included:

• Use Universal Precautions to control the spread of infection

• Apply principles of body mechanics, such as proper lifting techniques

• Prevent fire and electrical hazards

• Use instruments and equipment as directed

• Manage hazardous materials

• Follow emergency procedures and protocols

• Comply with pertinent regulatory guidelines, including OSHA standards

Partners:

Over one hundred health care organizations and educational institutions participated in this project. This includes: National consortium of health Science and Technology Education, Service Employees International Union, American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, American Society for Health Care Human Resources Administration, national Health Occupation Students Association, National Organization for Biology Teachers, and Pew Health Professions Commission.

-###-

[Hazards Materials Management Technology]

[Heavy Highway/Construction and Environmental Remediation]