s000821 Understanding Purpose and Scope
Identifier: s000821
Date: 09/11/2000
Question
Does the Purpose and Scope define the 'purpose' of the standards which follow and define the 'scope' of the standards which follow? If yes, then what does the Scope actually mean with the four requirements shown in 2.B.1-4? Is this the 'scope' of the following standards? If not, then why is it called the 'Scope'?
Interpretation by ASHI Standards Committee :
No. Just as other sections do not contain all the criteria about their titles and do not contain criteria exclusively about their titles only, Section 2 does not solely and exclusively define 'purpose and scope' for the entire Standards of Practice.
Other sections also contain scope limitations such as Glossary definitions, Section 13, and ___.2 sub-sections of Sections 3 - 12.
The word 'scope' in its title indicates that Section 2 contains some, but not only or all, limitations on overall purpose. Scope is limited to systems that are "of the home" being inspected and scope of information provided to clients is limited to conditions existing at the time of the inspection.
In addition to scope criteria, Section 2 also contains criteria that apply generally for meeting overall purpose. For example, the criteria of sub-section 2.2.B are requirements, not limitations of scope, in addition to other sections' equally valid requirements (including descriptions) for meeting overall purpose.