AHA annual meeting, governance white paper, grants for rural telemedicine

The American Hospital Association will hold its Annual Membership Meeting May 1–4 in Washington, D.C. The event brings together hospital and health system leaders from around the country to hear from some of the top names in health care, government and media. One track will focus on issues of particular interest to trustees and will feature well-known experts like Jamie Orlikoff, John Combes, M.D., JoAnn McNutt, Rick de Filippi and Constance Howes. On the final day, members will travel to Capitol Hill to meet with their state legislative delegations. Visit www.aha.org.

White paper examines essentials of governance

A white paper from the Center for Healthcare Governance discusses essential governance practices and challenges in building and supporting good governance in multiorganizational systems with multiple, layered boards. It also examines factors boards should consider as they transform their governance practices to better meet the needs of their changing organizations and adhere to principles of governance effectiveness. For more information, visit www.americangovernance.com.

USDA accepting applications for rural telemedicine grants

Hospitals and others can apply through March 14 for grants of up to $500,000 each for equipment and technical assistance to provide telemedicine services in rural areas, the Department of Agriculture announced. The fiscal year 2016 grants are through the Rural Utilities Service Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program. Applicants must serve a rural area, demonstrate economic need and provide at least 15 percent in matching funds. For more, visit www.rd.usda.gov.