Which of the following items would most likely be classified as an asset on a healthcare organization's balance sheet?

The item classified as an asset on a healthcare organization's balance sheet is equipment for patient care. Assets are resources owned by the organization that are expected to provide future economic benefits. In the context of a healthcare organization, equipment such as diagnostic machines, surgical instruments, and patient care equipment plays a crucial role in delivering services and generating revenue. These items are tangible assets that can be capitalized and depreciated over time, reflecting their cost and wear over their useful life.

In contrast, outstanding medical bills represent amounts owed to the organization, which are considered accounts receivable—a different category on the balance sheet. Salaries payable indicate liabilities that the organization owes to employees for work performed but not yet paid, and loan commitments refer to the obligations or terms regarding borrowed funds, which also fall under liabilities. Thus, only equipment for patient care aligns with the definition of an asset by contributing to the organization’s ability to operate effectively and support service delivery.