Resource Library

Boards are planning for 2026, but what about 2050? The decades ahead promise profound change. Widening social and economic divides, demographic shifts, technological advances and rising consumer expectations will reshape nearly every aspect of our lives. Health care will be among the systems most deeply affected. No one knows exactly what health care will look like 25 years from now. What is becoming clear, however, is that the current system is not designed to meet the demands ahead. The U.S. now spends roughly $5 trillion a year on health care, outpacing every other nation in per-person spending. But by even the most basic measures, the U.S. performs poorly compared to other wealthy nations, ranking near the bottom on life expectancy, infant mortality and preventable deaths.

GovernanceVeteran Health Care Leader Reflects on Her Experience With BoardsMichelle Hood draws on four decades of leadership to explore how effective governance, trust, and board engagement shape resilient health care organizations in a rapidly changing environmentHealth care governance boards exist in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and missi

Kathy Garrett, M.D., shares her board experience and the importance of trustee voices in shaping the future of health care.

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Sue Ellen Wagner and James Liggins, Jr., board chair, Bronson Healthcare System and 2025 Committee on Governance chair on what lies ahead for boards.

QualityExample Experience ScorecardAdapted from “The Board’s Role in Health Care Experience,” by Laura Orr and Katie Owens (Trustee Insights, Dec. 2023).

QualityThe Board’s Role in Health Care ExperienceTrustees have an opportunity to elevate their organization’s outcomes and performanceBy Laura Orr and Katie OwensIt is a pivotal time for our industry to assure the well-being and sustainability of health care organizations.

To navigate the choppy waters ahead, hospital and health system boards need to develop a plan to reengage all trustees and renew CEO and board leadership collaboration.

A WellSpan Health task force developed meaningful principles that signaled a changed approach to governance at the health system.

Holding board members accountable and addressing issues in a timely manner are essential to a successful boardroom culture.

Focused, strategic discussions in the boardroom can support organizational excellence.