NEWS, ARTICLES, and UPDATES

Evolving to ACOs through Clinical Integration Programs

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) have captured industry attention nationwide. Many hospitals and health systems are assessing their current state of readiness for ACOs and their wherewithal for moving from an activity-based payment model to the bundled or risk- and outcomes-based model. The majority of healthcare organizations are finding that they may not currently have the competencies required for participation in an ACO. In this article, James J. Pizzo and Mark E. Grube recommend starting with clinical integration. By building a clinical integration program, hospitals and health systems can proactively position themselves for this new model of care.

Revisiting the Role of the Executive Committee

A standing executive committee has long been a staple of boardroom practice, but there are increasing questions about its relevance in the current environment. Given recent developments in non-profit corporate governance and the rapid pace of organizational change prompted by healthcare reform, hospital and health system boards should reconsider the continued utility of the executive committee. In a continued series on efficient board committee practices, Michael W. Peregrine, Esq., takes a closer look at the basic role of the executive committee and provides guidance for evaluating its continued use as a governance tool.

Diversity: Crossing the Comfort Zone

In 1999, Linda Brady, M.D., became the first female, physician, and gentile president and CEO of Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center. As a new leader, she saw a need to change the culture of the organization in order to better serve their community. At this time, the board was male (save for one female), Caucasian, and of one religion. Through considering local demographics, communicating with staff, diversifying the team, and doing community outreach, Brady successfully lead the organization towards cultural diversity. Today, they are a stronger, healthier organization because of this transformation. In this article, she shares her journey to achieving organizational diversity.

THE GOVERNANCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCES

21st Annual Chairperson, CEO, & Physician Leader Conference
Members are welcome to attend this year’s Chairperson, CEO, & Physician Leader Conference at The Grand Del Mar in San Diego, California from June 5–7. This year we are encouraging CEOs and board chairs to bring their physician leaders. Building a strong relationship between the chairperson, CEO, and physician leader is increasingly important to organizational success as the healthcare environment moves toward a focus on quality, patient-centered care, and physician integration. Here you can gain knowledge that will help you better govern your organization together.
Presenters at this conference include: Ric Merrifield: Rethink: A Business Manifesto for Cutting Costs & Boosting Innovation Kenneth H. Cohn, M.D., M.B.A., FACS: Physician Engagement: Moving from Me to We Thomas A. Atchison: Ed.D.: Putting It All Together: How Leaders Optimize Human & Organizational Performance
The Governance Support Conference: A Tool for Enhancing Board Coordination
	Join us for this year’s Governance Support Conference at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach, California. From August 7–9, governance support professionals from around the world will gather together to hear expert speakers, learn about new resources, and gain knowledge on current trends in an effort to better support their boards. This conference presents the opportunity to meet others in the governance support role and share stories and gain insights from those with a similar commitment to elevating board performance.

Presenters at this conference include:

• Emily Friedman: Our Changing Healthcare System: Reform, Resistance, & Renaissance
• Dottie Schindlinger: Streamlining Board Work through E-Governance
• Pamela R. Knecht: Tackling Tough Strategic Questions: The New Board Management Partnership
• Michael W. Peregrine, Esq.: Effective Corporate Documentation: Legal Implications

Register early for a discounted price.  Members, remember to redeem your free conference passes.

The Governance Institute thanks Premier Partners HBE Corporation and Kaufman, Hall & Associates, Inc. for their continuing support of excellence in healthcare governance.