What term describes the transfer of responsibility for the performance of an activity or task to another individual while the original performer retains accountability for the outcome?

• A. Assignment
• B. Accountability
• C. Supervision
• D. Delegation

Answer: (D)

Delegation is the transfer of responsibility for performing a task to someone else while the person who delegated remains accountable for the final outcome. In healthcare, this means a professional assigns a safe, appropriate task to a trained colleague or team member, clearly communicates what needs to be done, provides necessary instruction and resources, and sets expectations and timelines. Even though someone else carries out the task, the delegator still bears responsibility for ensuring it’s done correctly and safely and for addressing any issues that arise. This differs from assignment, which may involve handing out tasks without transferring accountability; supervision, which involves overseeing someone’s work but not fully transferring responsibility; and accountability itself, which is the obligation to answer for outcomes rather than the act of handing off a task.