How Do Hospitals Make New Equipment Purchases?

Hospitals navigate complex approval processes for new equipment purchases, involving various levels from unit managers to CEOs and boards of trustees. Requests for purchases are prioritized by administrative directors and approved by CEOs based on available budgets. Academic hospitals involve additional layers such as deans and department chairs. Emergency purchases, necessitated by unforeseen events like pandemics or natural disasters, bypass regular channels, typically approved by executive leadership or disaster response teams. Regular emergency response drills prepare hospitals for such situations, informing equipment needs and vendor contacts for swift action when required.