Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

Who ultimately holds responsibility for decisions made within a nursing home if line authority has been delegated?

1. The director of nursing

2. The nursing staff

3. The administrator

4. The corporate board

The correct answer is: The administrator

In a nursing home setting, when line authority is delegated, the ultimate responsibility for decisions remains with the administrator. The administrator holds the highest level of accountability for the overall management and operations of the facility. Even with delegated tasks and responsibilities, the administrator is still responsible for ensuring that all aspects of care, compliance with regulations, staffing, and the financial health of the facility are being managed effectively. The administrator's role involves oversight of all departments, including nursing, and they must ensure that the care provided aligns with the facility's policies and regulatory standards. This also includes responsibility for performance evaluations and addressing any issues that arise within the facility, which reinforces the concept that even though authority may be delegated, the accountability ultimately lies with them. While the director of nursing oversees nursing care and the nursing staff is responsible for direct patient care, they operate under the administrator’s direction. The corporate board typically focuses on broader organizational goals and financial oversight rather than day-to-day operations of a specific nursing home. Therefore, it is the administrator who bears the final responsibility.