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Some 66 percent of U.S. hospitals are now part of health systems, according to 2016 survey data from the American Hospital Association. As systems continue to grow in scope and complexity, their governance often follows suit.

As community leaders, trustees are a powerful voice for their hospitals or health systems when it comes to advocacy. They can offer legislators “real life” insights and perspectives into the challenges facing patients and community members in the hospital’s service area, as well as how legislation and regulation will affect the women and men who work every day to fulfill their hospitals promise of help, hope and healing.

Analytics can be a tool for constructively engaging physicians in health systems’ transition to value

As health care organizations become more complex and diverse, their governance requires individuals with a range of knowledge, skills and behaviors that can address the needs and challenges of these evolving enterprises.

How well boards govern is influenced by a number of factors, among them, the knowledge and skills board members bring to their work.

Carolinas HealthCare System’s Journey to Revamp Its Mission & Vision Statements to Better Represent the Heart of the Organization

An aging population, increasing rates of chronic disease and the onset of value-based payment structures are among the many drivers that have moved hospitals and health systems in recent years to take a more prominent role in disease prevention, health promotion, and other public health initiatives.

Voluntary accreditation is considered to be an important symbol of a hospital’s commitment to high-quality, safe care. Some consumers look for accreditation when choosing a hospital. Many health care professionals believe it is an important indicator of the commitment to quality and safety they are looking for when choosing a place to practice.

Traditional community-based boards in health systems and hospitals have long been the stalwart of health care governance because of their value in connecting health care organizations to the communities they serve.

Boards that want to improve their approach to conflicts of interest and independence management do the following...

Health care CEOs may need a little help. How about hiring a chief of staff?

In pursuit of its longstanding vision of a “society of healthy communities where all individuals reach their highest potential for health,” the American Hospital Association supports hospitals, health systems and related organizations in engaging in strategic initiatives that together create a path toward advancing health in America.

The uncertainty and complexity of today’s rapidly transforming health care environment requires dynamic CEO leadership more than ever. A sound and steady relationship between the board and CEO helps support the CEO during this turbulent time and, in turn, a close and productive partnership between the board and CEO helps ensure the board’s vision and strategic direction are carried out.

The number of public quality scorecards for hospitals has increased exponentially in recent years as consumers take more interest in getting the most value for their health care dollar.

Guided by their organization’s mission, vision and values, trustees must govern with their eye on the future, the well-being of patients, and the health of their communities.

It would be hard to disagree with the notion that board development is essential to effective trusteeship. Anyone who has sat on the board of a hospital or health system knows that health care is recognized as one of the most complex sectors.

Cybersecurity is an important issue for both the public and private sector. At a time when so many of our activities depend on information systems and technology, it is not surprising that, when we think about our organizations’ vulnerabilities, our information infrastructure must be high on the list.

Health care is transforming to a value-based model, with the goals of improved care quality, access and outcomes for consumers, at lower costs. The means of achieving these goals is the effective management of health and health care services over the continuum of a population’s care and service needs.

How well boards govern is influenced by a number of factors, among them, the knowledge and skills board members bring to their work.

Organizations pursuing Baldrige recognition must demonstrate how they carry out their governance in eight areas of responsibility.