I would take this to mean that there cannot be single pole switches in a hospital where nurses, etc., can access them, with the exception of additional illumination connected to the critical branch per 517.43(B)3. Any comments will be appreciated.

That depends. This discussion I'm sure has been had but who's "an Authorized person".
The intent is to ensure the required emergency lighting will be on in an emergency. Additional lighting could be switched.
see FBC 1006.1 for required illumination

One option is the installation of keyed switches. That way, only those with the key can operate the switch.

Another option is to provide the minimum required battery backup light sources in addition to the emergency lighting provided by generator backup. That way, it doesn't matter if the switch to EM lighting is operated by an unauthorized person.