WHAT ARE THE FUNDAMENTAL PRACTICE STANDARDS?

The 8th Edition Standards offer guidance to your organization on standards that are fundamental to quality practice. By identifying and categorizing these fundamental standards, it is our goal to help you strengthen and integrate practices in these areas across all standard sections. COA expects that your organization would implement such standards immediately.

These standards are listed after the Table of Evidence charts at the end of each section (see example 1).

Essential Life and Safety Standards

COA considers standards indicated as Essential Life and Safety to be basic to maintaining the life and safety of individuals who receive human services.

Health and Welfare Standards

Practices indicated as Health and Welfare are vital for the protection of consumers, personnel and visitors, and they promote a hazard-free service environment and the prevention of harm, injury, or ill health.

Clients Rights Standards

Practices indicated as Client Rights are vital to maintaining a service and work environment that is fair, equitable, and free of discrimination.