The Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan believes that community based programs are an integral part of the health-care continuum. Health professionals working within the framework of community based programs require consistent policies and procedures to assist them in providing quality health-care.

The Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan supports the following definition of community based programs as:

"Any program that improves the quality of life for mentally handicapped and/or psychiatrically ill individuals, including opportunities for social, residential, recreational, vocational and educational services, as well as access to appropriate health care".

RPNs can help to ensure they are involved in safe and ethical employment practices by reviewing the following standards with their employer:

1. Documented policies and procedures governing:
   1. Short, intermediate and long-range care planning;
   2. Regular involvement in social, recreational, vocational and educational activities;
   3. Medication administration;
   4. Criteria for appropriateness of admission to a community-based program.
2. Assurance, in the case of RPNs, that skill areas required are endorsed by the RPNAS as a psychiatric nursing competency.

Approved by Council
November 1990