With established guidelines, the HOD maybe delegated the authority and responsibility to exercise the Medical Center Directors prerogative in medical administrative matters and issues that may arise; represents management in (non-policy making) administrative matters; represents management in matters pertaining to the lawful retention of veterans in the VAMC; maintains continuity of functions and provides full medical administrative support during other than normal tours of duty to clinical and administrative medical center staff; is responsible for achieving management objectives and supporting the decision of management in carrying out duties; and provides technical guidance necessary to meet procedural, legal, and administrative requirements relating to the care and treatment of patients to achieve optimum use of available resources. Receives and responds to non-routine patient condition inquiries and other administrative inquiries from concerned veterans, families, visitors, law enforcement officials, representatives from private hospitals, veterans service organization representatives, VA Central Office, Congressional offices, military personnel, private physicians, media, and the general public.