A Road Map for the Development of a Decisional Authority Framework for Professional Governance Using Accountability...

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Governance

Background:

• Limited guidance exists on defining decisional authority for nurses' ownership of clinical practice.
• The role of nursing leaders in professional governance requires further clarification.
• Existing resources focus on structures and processes, not the legitimization of authority.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a road map for creating and implementing accountability grids.
• To delineate clear authority for clinical nurses, nurse leaders, and nurse executives.
• To establish a decisional authority framework for professional governance.

Main Methods:

• Development of accountability grids for different nursing roles.
• Delineation of specific decision-making authorities within the grids.
• Implementation within a single healthcare organization.

Main Results:

• A structured framework for professional governance was created.
• Clear lines of authority were established for nurses at all levels.
• The accountability grids facilitated nurses' ownership of clinical practice.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework supports enhanced professional governance in nursing.
• Clearly defined authority empowers nurses and nursing leaders.
• This model provides a practical approach for organizational implementation.