What term describes the hierarchy of authority in an organization?

• A. Ambulatory care
• B. Behavioral health services
• C. Chain of command
• D. Healthcare delivery systems

Answer: (C)

The hierarchy of authority in an organization is described by the chain of command. This term captures who has formal authority, who reports to whom, and how instructions and information flow from higher levels to lower levels. A defined chain of command clarifies responsibilities, supports accountability, and helps decisions be made by the appropriate people. In healthcare settings, it ensures supervision and escalation paths from leadership down to frontline staff, aligning actions with policy. Ambulatory care refers to care outside hospitals, behavioral health services describe a type of service, and healthcare delivery systems denote the broader network and processes—not the specific reporting structure. Therefore, chain of command best describes the hierarchy of authority.