How a hospital is usually structured
Hospitals are typically run by a CEO with a Chief Medical Officer over physicians, a Chief Nursing Officer over nursing, and operational and financial executives alongside. Clinical departments are grouped under the CMO; nursing units under the CNO.
Medical staff vs. administration
Physicians are often organised as a medical staff with its own elected leadership, while also reporting operationally through the CMO. Dotted lines work well for that dual relationship.
Quality and compliance
Many hospitals place quality, patient safety and compliance close to the CEO so they are independent of the departments they review.