Clinical Standards
The Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod) has 14 Standards of Practice which are based on legislation and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) requirements. All members, wherever they work, must familiarise themselves with the content of the standards and abide by them, otherwise they may put their registration and insurance at risk.
In 2020, the Professional and Private Practice Officers and the Professional Practice Committee updated the Standards. The look and format of the Standards was modernised and the content of the 14 Standards was updated to keep them current and in line with legislation. All Chapters of the The Standards for Clinical Podiatric Practice document should be downloaded to form the complete guidelines.
If you need any help with the Standards please contact the Professional Support Officers for assistance: professionalsupport@rcpod.org.uk or tel: 020 7234 8652.
The College's 14 Standards of Practice are:
Standard 1 - Confidentiality
Standard 2 - Consent Please note there is separate guidance for patients with incapacity in Scotland.
Standard 3 - Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults
Standard 4 - Delegation and Supervision
Standard 5 - Record Keeping
Standard 6 - Clinical Abbreviations
Standard 7 - Single Use Instruments
Standard 8 - Decontamination of Reusable Instruments
Standard 9 - Infection Control
Standard 10 - Waste Management
Standard 11 - Management of Sharps and Exposure Incidents
Standard 12 - Domiciliary Care
Standard 13 - Clinical Environment
Standard 14 - Immunisations
Professional Standards
In January 2021 RCPod published its Professional Standards. These replace the previous code of conduct. All members must adhere to the Professional Standards and any who fail to meet these standards may be subject to disciplinary action.
HCPC Standards
Members also need to be aware of the HCPC Standards: