Smjernica

Smjernica is a term used in several South Slavic languages, including Croatian and Bosnian, to denote a document or principle that outlines recommended actions, procedures, or standards to follow in a given domain. It is typically a non-binding or advisory instrument intended to guide decision-making, practice, or policy, rather than to impose legal obligations. The word derives from smjer, meaning direction, with a suffix that forms a noun.

Usage and purpose

Smjernice are issued by government ministries, regulatory agencies, professional associations, or international bodies to promote consistency, safety, quality, and efficiency. They help harmonize practices across organizations and provide a reference for professionals when making decisions. Smjernice differ from formal rules, regulations, or laws; they become mandatory only if adopted into binding regulations or incorporated into policy.

Structure and content

A typical smjernica includes objectives, scope, recommended actions or procedures, implementation steps, responsibilities, and criteria for evaluating effectiveness. Some documents indicate the level of evidence supporting each recommendation and may include timelines or monitoring requirements.

Contexts

Common contexts for smjernice include public administration, healthcare (clinical guidelines), environmental and workplace safety, education, and industry standards. In clinical settings, they are often referred to as clinical guidelines (kliničke smjernice).

See also

Guidelines, standards, policies, protocols.