Administrative structure of an accredited hospital.

The administrative structure of an accredited hospital is defined by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals. It includes a governing board that represents the community, an executive committee that is responsible for patient care activities and is supported by standing committees, and a hospital administrative unit consisting of a chief administrator and numerous assistants. Policy recommendations are received by the governing board from the executive committee and must be approved by the board. Problems are resolved through a joint conference committee made up of representation from the executive committee and the board, as well as participation by hospital administrators. Finally, the medical staff is divided into departments that assume responsibility for patient care within their disciplines, as well as determine the awarding of credentials to applicants for hospital privileges.