Resource Library

Diversity, Equity and InclusionYes, Diversity Still MattersAHA’s Governance Survey shows room for growth for board diversityBy Karma H. BassThe rate of hospital and health system affiliations and mergers is projected to increase as organizations struggle in the aftermath of COVID-19.

Health Equity, Diversity and InclusionBoards Supporting Women’s HealthPrioritizing women’s health for the health care workforceBy Priya BathijaThere are many hospitals and health systems making investments in women’s health for their patients and communities.

Transforming GovernanceThe “Aha!” Moment to Unlocking Governance ExcellenceBoards serve as a strategic asset for high-performing organizationsBy Todd Linden with Mark KaufmanIn health care governance, there exists a pivotal moment — an “Aha!” revelation when

Board Composition and selectionGetting Nurses on Board(s)Why health care organizations should consider adding nurses to their boardsBy Kimberly Cleveland, Pam Rudisill, Anthony Vander Horst and Laurie BensonIn 2021, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine released

Board CultureBringing the Voices of Kids into the BoardroomSchonay Barnett-Jones shares professional and personal experience in advocating for children’s healthBy Aisha SyedaInterviewChildren in the U.S. are experiencing a wide array of serious challenges, from mental health conditions, to poverty, to obesity and abuse.

Board DevelopmentWonder, Wander and Round IntentionallyFour leaders speak to how rounding provides valuable insightBy Todd Linden"Not all those who wander are lost.” — The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

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.

transforming GovernanceBoard Compensation: The Emerging New NormalWhat to make of the increase in boards that compensate their membersBy Jamie OrlikoffShould board members of not-for-profit, charitable hospitals and health systems be compensated?

Cybersecurity Cybersecurity Awareness is a Board Responsibility AHA Cybersecurity expert John Riggi discusses what trustees should know about their organization’s cyberthreat plan By Nikhil Baviskar Interview The frequency and severity of cyber-attacks on hospitals continues to mount as hackers become more

Health Diversity, Equity and Inclusion The Importance of Indian Health Care Services Trustee Tony Davis provides unique perspective on the state of Indian Health Services By Sue Ellen Wagner Interview Sue Ellen Wagner, vice president, trustee engagement and strategy at the American Hospital Association,

Quality You Have the Quality and Safety Report. Now What?  Quality and Safety expert Dr.

Board Culture Get Active in Preventing Board Chair Burnout Start with a well-defined role, delegation and limits on expectations By Jamie Orlikoff First reported among frontline care givers in the emergency department and ICU, pandemic-related burnout spread to impact nearly everyone in t

Board Support New Positions Focus on Care and Management Job Description Includes Recruitment, Orientation and Involvement By Joel F. Emrich Board management is demanding work. Add the complexity of hospitals, health systems and humans into the mix and the demands only rise over time.

Board Responsibilities Participation is Not Optional A board that engages 100% of its membership results in effective governance By Kimberly A. Russel Are there members of your board who never speak during board meetings?

Board Responsibilities Trustees Focus on Quality to Improve Health Care Non-profit boards have array of resources to fulfill quality mission Michael Jellinek and Thomas Glynn Many hospitals, like academic medical centers and integrated health systems, are relied upon as significa

Transforming Governance High Impact Governance Challenges Conventions New thinking can take leadership of boards much further By Barbara Lorsbach In the last few decades, hospital and health system boards of trustees have transitioned from fulfilling basic fiduciary responsibilities to focusing on strategic thinking

Board Composition and Selection How to Navigate Complex, Multitiered Governance Success comes from defining expectations for various stakeholders By Linda Summers, Erica M. Osborne and Karma H.