Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

Decisions made by persons on the staff to whom the administrator has delegated line authority are ultimately regarded as decisions by whom?

1. The staff member in charge

2. The local facility manager

3. The administrator

4. The corporate representative

The correct answer is: The administrator

When authority is delegated by the administrator to specific staff members, the ultimate responsibility for the decisions made still rests with the administrator. This is an important principle of management known as "accountability." Although individual staff members may have the autonomy to make decisions within their realm of delegated authority, these decisions are still considered a reflection of the administrator's policies, standards, and overall direction for the facility. The administrator is responsible for ensuring that their team is well-trained and equipped to make decisions that align with the facility's objectives and regulatory requirements. Consequently, even though staff members may operate in an empowered capacity, the accountability for the outcomes of those decisions remains with the administrator. This hierarchical structure emphasizes the administrator's role in overseeing the entire operation and maintaining ultimate responsibility, which is crucial for effective management in a nursing home environment.