In terms of TJC, who is authorized to grant temporary privileges?

The correct answer is that the CEO or his/her designee is authorized to grant temporary privileges within the framework of The Joint Commission (TJC) standards. This authority is typically vested in the CEO to ensure that decision-making regarding temporary privileges aligns with both operational efficiency and the organization's strategic goals.

In practice, temporary privileges are often granted to practitioners when there is a need for immediate patient care services, such as when a physician is brought in to fill a gap in service due to unforeseen circumstances. By designating this authority to the CEO or a designee, TJC establishes a clear and accountable process for temporary privileges that can be executed quickly and effectively, while still adhering to the organization's operational protocols.

While other options may involve entities that play significant roles in the governance and oversight of medical staff, they do not possess the same level of authority regarding immediate operational decisions concerning temporary privileges as the CEO. The medical staff committee oversees credentialing processes but typically does not grant privileges directly. The governing body plays a critical oversight role but is not involved in the day-to-day operational decisions. The department chair may have responsibilities related to clinical oversight but usually does not have the authority to grant privileges independently.