What does the chain of command describe?

• A. The line of authority that ensures proper care and protects from liability
• B. A staff scheduling hierarchy
• C. The sequence of patient admission steps
• D. The order of medication administration

Answer: (A)

The chain of command is the line of authority and accountability in a healthcare team, showing who has the responsibility to make decisions, who provides supervision, and who staff report to. This structure helps ensure proper care by clarifying roles, guiding who approves actions, and providing a clear path to escalate concerns. It also protects against liability because decisions are made by the appropriate level of authority, supervision is in place, and actions are followable and traceable. The other options describe scheduling structures, admission steps, or the sequence of giving medications, which are about processes or workflows rather than who has authority to direct care.