Each sensor of a plurality of sensors (10) operates independently to perform at least a monitoring function (32) acquiring sensor data indicative of a common physiological parameter and a grading function (38) performed occasionally to assign a current signal quality grade for the sensor that is indicative of operational status of the monitoring function of the sensor. A data structure (44, 44') stores information pertaining to the plurality of sensors including at least priorities of the plurality of sensors respective to the common physiological parameter and the current signal quality grades for the sensors. Each sensor further operates to perform at least one output function (36) generating an output signal conditional upon content of the data structure including at least the priorities and the current signal quality grades of the sensors indicating the output function should be performed.