What type of document provides suggestions that are not mandatory but could be helpful to practitioners?

• A. Regulation
• B. Standard
• C. Guideline
• D. Schedule

Answer: (C)

A guideline is a type of document designed to offer suggestions or recommendations to practitioners without imposing mandatory requirements. These documents serve as valuable resources that outline best practices, helping professionals make informed decisions based on evidence and experience.

Guidelines are generally intended to aid in the interpretation and application of regulations and standards, but they do not carry the same legal weight. Practitioners may follow these suggestions to enhance their practice, improve patient care, or ensure safety, but they are not obligated to do so. This flexibility allows for professional judgment and adaptation to specific circumstances, promoting individual responsibility and ethical practice.

In contrast, regulations are binding legal rules established by governing authorities, and standards typically outline specific criteria that must be met. A schedule generally refers to a list or classification of substances or procedures, particularly in context to controlled substances and their management under law, and is not primarily focused on providing advisory suggestions. Thus, the nature of a guideline distinctly categorizes it as a document of optional guidance rather than obligatory rule.