The Plan of Care must be signed by whom?

• A. The patient's physician
• B. The patient
• C. The home health aide
• D. The equipment supplier

Answer: (A)

A Plan of Care is a formal medical document that lays out goals, treatment strategies, and how often care will be delivered. It must be signed by the physician who diagnoses the patient and orders the treatments, because only a licensed clinician has the authority to authorize medical interventions and confirm medical necessity. The patient or family may acknowledge and participate, but their signature does not authorize the plan. The home health aide and equipment supplier implement and provide services, not approve the medical plan. In pediatric respiratory care, this ensures that therapies like oxygen, suctioning, and airway clearance are properly authorized and aligned with the patient's diagnosis and needs.