Who is the authorizing provider for protocol orders?

• A. The attending physician
• B. The nurse
• C. There is no authorizing provider
• D. The pharmacist

Answer: (A)

Protocol orders are standardized, pre-approved orders that can be activated for a patient but must be approved by a clinician who has the authority to customize care for that individual. The attending physician is the person with that authority, responsible for the patient’s overall care and able to tailor or approve the protocol based on the patient’s condition, allergies, and current treatments. The nurse implements and monitors the orders but does not authorize them. The pharmacist may review medications and provide input, but they typically do not authorize protocol orders. There is an authorizing provider for protocol orders, and that role belongs to the attending physician.