A _________________ is a type of protocol that outlines directions, permissions, and prohibitions.

A standing order serves as a specific type of protocol that is routinely established within healthcare settings to provide clear directives regarding the management of patient care. It outlines particular actions that healthcare professionals are permitted to take without needing to seek immediate authorization for every individual case. This includes established permissions and prohibitions, ensuring that practitioners understand the limits and scope of their authority.

In practice, standing orders are often employed in emergency situations or standardized care scenarios where timely intervention is critical, allowing for immediate response according to predefined protocols. This helps ensure that all personnel involved are aligned in their approach to patient management, improving efficiency and safety in delivering care.

Other options do not encompass the same level of specificity in terms of providing comprehensive guidelines on permissions and prohibitions in a protocol format. For example, clinical guidelines are generally broader and serve more as recommendations based on best practices rather than strict protocols. Treatment protocols can also describe methodology for specific cases but might not have the same authority or standing as standing orders. Medical directives can outline specific instructions but may not cover the broader spectrum of permissions and prohibitions in the same structured way as standing orders do.