Which statement best describes the purpose of the Disaster Plan in a hospital?

• A. To coordinate hospital-wide crisis response and resource allocation
• B. To ensure patient privacy during emergencies
• C. To manage routine staff schedules
• D. To maintain standard operations during crises

Answer: (B)

A hospital disaster plan is designed to coordinate the entire crisis response and direct how scarce resources are allocated during emergencies. It establishes who leads the response, how information is communicated, where patients are treated, and how beds, equipment, and supplies are distributed to meet surge needs. The goal is to create an organized, swift, and effective response that protects patients and staff and keeps the hospital functioning under stress.

While protecting patient privacy is essential, and staffing decisions will adapt in a crisis, those are not the primary purpose of the disaster plan. The plan focuses on coordinating across departments and with external partners to manage the crisis, not on maintaining normal operations or routine schedules.