Resource Library

Boards can play a key role in guiding, supporting young health system leaders.

A decade ago, BoardSource, an organization supporting nonprofit boards, developed a well known list of aspirational principles of governance. For us they still ring true: “mission driven,” “ethos of transparency,” “compliance with integrity.”

Expert guidance to help leaders set priorities, make the right decisions and improve results...

The American Hospital Association’s report, Hospitals and Care System of the Future, describes a series of “must do” strategies and future core competencies hospitals will need as they transform themselves from first curve to second curve delivery systems, driven by a shift from volume-driven to value-driven payment systems.

Regular board self-evaluation is integral to effective governance. Use the questions in the attachment to assess whether your board is getting maximum mileage from its self-evaluation process.

CEO goal-setting and evaluation is a fundamental responsibility of a governing board. These questions are designed to help boards assess their CEO evaluation process and determine if any improvements are necessary.

The American Hospital Association’s report, Hospitals and Care System of the Future, describes the transformation of health care delivery from first curve to second curve, driven by a shift from volume driven to value-driven payment systems. While there is no single “end state” model that suitable for all organizations or communities, the report offers a compelling vision of “care systems” that are accountable, integrated and coordinated around patient and community needs.”

The dashboard or “balanced scorecard” has become a staple of effective governance. Charts and numerical data provide a comprehensive picture of organizational performance. Here are some questions to assess whether your board’s dashboard is as good as it could be.

Be sure every member fully understands his or her accountability, responsibilities and the expectations of the office, and document it all in a written position description...

All new board members should participate in an orientation process shortly after election to the board. To design your board’s orientation process, consider these best practices.

A Board Orientation Manual reinforces information provided during orientation seminars. Consider these items in custom-designing an orientation manual for your board.

The following is intended to be an example that boards should adapt to meet their individual needs. This self-assessment tool will provide you an opportunity to evaluate our committee’s performance and contributions.

An increasing number of boards are moving away from having a standing committee on strategic planning. They reason that the entire board should understand and have a role in major decisions about the organization’s strategic direction, programs and services.

The Quality Committee assists the board in overseeing and ensuring the quality of clinical care, patient safety, and customer service provided throughout the organization.

Overall Roles and Responsibilities -The Governance Committee provides for the board’s effectiveness and continuing development.

AHA’s Center for Healthcare Governance would like to thank Sierra Vista Regional Health Center and its Board of Trustees for sharing this sample mentoring feedback form.

Deeply held beliefs can blind boards to the true nature of change. It’s time to challenge the orthodoxies. In the early 2000s, the Nokia board debated creating a smartphone. The company’s wireless handset was the global best seller. Management believed consumers would not use a touch screen on a handset.

The role of the board is to govern, not manage, the organization. To that end, the board carries out four roles.

Are You Prepared to Meet Today’s Governance Challenges? Serving on a community hospital or health care system board in today’s challenging environment takes more than the desire to fulfill a fiduciary duty.

In many ways, women are on the front line in health care — as consumers, employees and family caretakers. They possess firsthand knowledge of community health issues and needs. They can bring an informed perspective to health care and other community organizations about where to focus resources to have the greatest impact.