Adopted by the
California Association of Psychiatric Technicians
on
September 18, 1996

Introduction

The Psychiatric Technician Professional Standards of Practice are designed to fulfill the profession's obligation to provide a means of ensuring quality of care. Because these standards reflect the current knowledge in the field, they are dynamic and subject to testing and change. Since standards represent agreed-upon levels of practice, they have been developed to characterize, measure and provide guidance in achieving excellence in psychiatric health care.

The standards were originally developed in 1994 by the Psychiatric Technician Professional Practice Groups in various California state hospitals and developmental centers. They have been adopted and maintained by the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians, which is the professional organization for Psychiatric Technicians in California. CAPT revises the standards from time to time to reflect changes in practice.

The standards apply to any setting in which Psychiatric Technicians practice. They are written within the framework of the nursing process (data collection, diagnosis, planning, treatment and evaluation). They also address such professional issues as the use of theory, peer review, continuing education, interdisciplinary team collaboration, community health systems and research. The Psychiatric Technician's accountability to clients/patients and protection of their rights are implicit throughout the standards.

Psychiatric Technicians are concerned with all aspects of the client's/patient's daily life and their effect on physical, mental and emotional well-being. Psychiatric Technicians are expected to exercise sound judgment in client relationships and accept responsibility for their judgments. They must know when to seek specialized assistance from other professionals. Psychiatric Technicians are particularly qualified by a knowledge of social interaction and communication skills. Because of their specialized knowledge and skills, Psychiatric Technicians often work with other professionals as colleagues rather than as subordinates.

---

Psychiatric Technician
Professional Standards of Practice

Standard 1 -- Documentation

The Psychiatric Technician systematically and continuously collects data about the health and functional status of clients/patients. This data is recorded, accessible and communicated.

Standard 2 -- Planning

The Psychiatric Technician assists in developing a plan with goals and interventions unique to the needs of each client/patient.

Standard 3 -- Intervention

The Psychiatric Technician intervenes as guided by the interdisciplinary treatment plan to implement actions that promote, maintain or restore health, prevent illness and promote habilitation.

Standard 4 -- Evaluation

The Psychiatric Technician participates in the evaluation of client/patient responses to nursing actions in order to assess progress towards meeting healthcare objectives of the client/patient.

Standard 5 -- Interdisciplinary collaboration

The Psychiatric Technician functions as an integral member of an interdisciplinary team.

Standard 6 -- Peer review

The Psychiatric Technician participates in peer review and other means of evaluation to assure quality nursing care.

Standard 7 -- Continuing education

The Psychiatric Technician assumes responsibility for continuing education and professional development and contributes to the professional growth of others.

Standard 8 -- Healthcare programs

The Psychiatric Technician participates with other members of the community in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the community's programs for mental illness and developmental disabilities.

Standard 9 -- Research

The Psychiatric Technician contributes to nursing and the mental and developmental health field through innovations in theory and practice, and participation in research.