What responsibilities does a hospital board have?

In the context of a hospital, the board serves as the legally constituted governing body with full responsibility for the institution's conduct and efficient management. Its primary duties include:1

• Policy and Appointments: The board establishes hospital policy and, acting on the advice of a medical advisory board, appoints the hospital administrator and the medical staff.1
• Financial Oversight: It exercises control over all hospital expenditures.1
• Quality Assurance: The board holds the responsibility for maintaining professional standards within the facility.1

The hospital administrator, who serves as the chief executive officer, is directly responsible to this board. While the board focuses on high-level governance, the medical staff—organized into departments such as surgery, medicine, obstetrics, and pediatrics—manages clinical matters, with their professional work reviewed by specialized committees.1