Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

What is the main goal of policies established by a health-care organization's governing body?

1. To establish a mission statement

2. To create a philosophy statement

3. To regulate outcomes and operations

4. To uphold common law

The correct answer is: To regulate outcomes and operations

The main goal of policies established by a health-care organization's governing body is to regulate outcomes and operations. These policies serve as a framework that guides the organization in its day-to-day functioning and strategic direction. They help ensure that the organization meets regulatory requirements, adheres to best practices, and achieves desired health outcomes for patients. By providing clear guidelines and protocols, these policies facilitate consistency in decision-making, enhance quality of care, and improve safety for both patients and staff. An effective set of policies also helps in managing risks and fostering a culture of accountability within the organization. This regulatory function is crucial because it ultimately determines how resources are allocated, how services are delivered, and what standards of practice are upheld. While creating a mission statement and a philosophy statement are important for defining the organization's overarching aims and values, these aspects primarily outline the organization’s identity rather than govern its operations. Upholding common law is also essential in practice, but it is often the role of legal counsel and does not capture the comprehensive regulatory nature of an organization's governing policies.