Serves as the primary clinical and administrative authority in the absence of senior leadership, making critical decisions to maintain safe operations in partnership with acute care leadership • Functions as an expert clinical resource for all staff, providing guidance on complex patient care issues and intervening in high-risk situations. Acting in the interest of the organization, the HOA exercises independent judgment and has the authority to interpret and enforce policies, provides direction to team members, direct clinical and operational activity, resolve complex issues, allocate resources, and make real-time decisions necessary to ensure continuity of safe, high‑quality patient care across all units.