Queensland Health Policies and Directives

Queensland Health is governed by both policies and directives. It's important to understand what these are, where to find them, and how they apply to your role.

Policy

What is a policy?

Policies are high level, principles-based statements that communicate the department's principles, rules or intentions.

They are supported by:

  • Standards – specifies the minimum actions required to comply with a policy and identifies responsibilities.

  • Guidelines – advice on best practice.

Directive

What is a directive?

A directive is an official instruction or order that must be followed exactly as written by government departments and employees.

Note

In addition to statewide policies, your Hospital and Health Service (HHS) will have its own policies and directives, which can be found on your HHS intranet.

Why it's important

As a line manager, being aware of policies and directives is important as:

  • They ensure compliance as they outline legal, ethical and procedural requirements for you and your team

  • They guide consistent decision-making

  • They protect both you and your team as it reduces the risk of mistakes, grievances, or disciplinary action

  • They support accountability

  • They promote fairness and transparency.