Trustee Toolkit

To expedite the conduct of routine business during board meetings in order to allocate more meeting time to education and discussion of substantive issues.

To clarify the difference between the board’s policy making responsibilities and management’s operational responsibilities.

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.

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

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.

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...

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.

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

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.”

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 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.

The board has three legal duties: a duty of obedience to the charitable purpose of the organization, a duty of loyalty, to act based on best interests of the organization, and a duty of care. The role of the board is to govern, not manage, the organization.

Governance responsibilities today are so significant that board members must bring more than commitment to the mission and interest in serving. As William Bowen writes, every trustee should bring a “specific competence or experience needed on the board.” This sample provides a board policy statement on competency-based recruitment, election and re-election of board members. Use it to customize a process for your board.

This checklist poses questions about whether your board is following recommended practices for strategic planning.

Responsibilities and expectations for board chairs are identified and defined.

See the attached sample strategic planning policy.

The Audit and Corporate Compliance Committee recommends policies and processes to the board related to...

SAMPLE COMMITTEE CHARTER: EXECUTIVE EVALUATION AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE Overall Roles and Responsibilities