Which term describes the formal line of authority and responsibility within a health care organization?

• A. Customer service
• B. Chain of command
• C. HIPAA
• D. Acute care

Answer: (B)

The formal line of authority and responsibility in a health care organization is the chain of command. This concept maps out who has the power to make decisions and who reports to whom, creating a clear path for supervision, delegation, and escalation. In practice, it helps ensure staff know who approves procedures, who carries accountability for outcomes, and how information and orders move through the organization, which supports patient safety and coordinated care.

Other terms describe different ideas: customer service focuses on patient experience, HIPAA governs privacy and security of health information, and acute care refers to the level of care provided for urgent medical needs.