If a policy document states that something "may" be done, what does that imply?

• A. It indicates permission to perform the prescribed act.
• B. It imposes a mandatory requirement.
• C. It prohibits the action.
• D. It guarantees an action will be approved.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that “may” signals permission. In policy language, when something may be done, it means you are allowed to perform that action under the stated conditions, but you aren’t required to do it. It also doesn’t promise that the action will be approved or automatically happen, and it isn’t a prohibition. So this implies you have the option to proceed, not an obligation or a guarantee.