Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

What does the delegation of authority imply about the administrator's role in decision-making?

1. The administrator is no longer responsible

2. The administrator maintains final responsibility

3. The administrator can ignore the staff’s decisions

4. The administrator's role is diminished

The correct answer is: The administrator maintains final responsibility

The delegation of authority in the context of a nursing home administrator's role signifies that while certain responsibilities and decision-making powers can be assigned to staff members or subordinate managers, the administrator ultimately retains final responsibility for the overall operations and outcomes of the facility. This means that the administrator must ensure that delegated tasks are managed appropriately and that staff members have the necessary support, guidelines, and training to make informed decisions. Maintaining final responsibility also underscores the accountability aspect of the administrator's role. Despite delegating certain duties, the administrator is still held accountable for the consequences of those decisions, ensuring that the nursing home meets regulatory standards and provides a high level of care to residents. This dynamic allows for a more effective management structure, as it empowers staff members to make decisions while ensuring that there is still a clear chain of accountability leading back to the administrator. This understanding of delegation also aligns with the idea that the administrator must be involved in oversight and strategic decisions, ensuring that the vision and standards of care for the facility are upheld, while enabling staff autonomy where trust and competence allow.