Stakeholders are primary reference groups, those who contribute regularly to the organization’s defined mission. That is, these groups circulate the necessary capital to maintain specific programs within the health system. These entities thereby have a great deal of influence on organizational policies with respect to the programs that they sponsor. This can prove to be major factor in how policies are formed and why. Due to the overwhelming importance of their contributions, external pressures from these interest groups are often heavily considered when policies are formed.

Regulations are rules or orders issued by an executive authority or a government’s regulatory agency that has the force of law (Merriam-Webster, 2005). Regulations also come from within the organization itself and contribute to the formation of its policies. Regulations in an organization are necessary to maintain order and balance within the system. Without the implementation of regulations, the policies of the organization would have little or no value in the delivery of quality patient care. Regulations, both internal and external, help to form a system that is responsive and effective to patient need and rights.

There are many regulatory authorities within the medical field. Such authorities as FDA, OSHA, and Health and Human Services work to form regulations that improve the safety and care of all within the healthcare system. These agencies also mandate and enforce these regulations in all areas of their authority. Fines and restrictions put on healthcare organizations ensure the system follows and adheres to every regulation. To ensure the system follows the regulations, they often write them into the healthcare system’s policies. 

At times regulations are not followed; this is when accrediting agencies step up to the plate and evaluate procedural and regulatory shortcomings. Accrediting agencies such as CAP, or College of American Pathologist, and JCAHO, or Joint Commission, ensure that healthcare systems are following both internal and external policies and regulations (Longest, 2002). CAP is an accrediting agency that accredits laboratory and pathological practices within a healthcare system. JCAHO is an accrediting agency that accredits the entire healthcare system (Longest, 2002). These accreditations are voluntary and serve to show if the healthcare systems policies and regulations are working and actively practiced throughout the organization. 

Clearly, many external pressures influence policy making with in an organization. Healthcare systems have a great deal of regulations that formulate the systems policies. Regulating agencies and accrediting organizations serve as guides in the right direction holding the healthcare system accountable to both internal and external regulations and policies. Policy making in a healthcare system is an arduous task filled with legal and ethical regulations.

In conclusion, the goal of policymaking is to foster a system that polices itself and is responsible for its actions. However, there may be external forces such as stakeholders, CAP, JCAHO, FDA, and OSHA that influence the policies and regulations of the system. It is up the healthcare policymakers to ensure that the system holds to the rule and regulations it sets. The healthcare system is responsible for both organizing and formulating policies that do not negatively affect the quality of care given. It is up to policymakers to ensure the policies and regulations of quality healthcare are in place; it is up to caregivers and providers within the system to adhere to those policies and regulations.

References

Longest, B. B. (2002). Health policymaking in the United States, 3rd ed. Chicago: Health

            Administration Press.

Merriam-Webster. (2005).  Merriam-Webster On Line Dictionary. Retrieved June 16, 2005 from

http://www.mw.com/cgibin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=Regulations&x=15&y=13