News, Articles, and Updates

The Board's Role in Steering an Organization's Culture in Challenging Economic Times: Going Forward in Stormy Seas 

Today, non-profit boards are weathering quite the storm. The recent recession and upcoming changes due to healthcare reform have left them facing unpredictable gale-force winds with no end in sight. In this temperamental climate, boards are feeling the pressure to make the tough decisions—often solely focusing on the bottom line or the balance sheet. While fiduciary responsibility is arguably one of the greatest duties of the board, there is one area where many are losing ground and potentially leading themselves to face an uphill fiscal battle: the organization’s culture. In this article, Jim Finkelstein and Sheila McDaniel explore how the board can develop and nurture the right culture in order to face the many uncertainties hospitals and health systems face in a rapidly changing marketplace.

The Change Challenge: Successfully Minimizing Resistance for Successful Outcomes    

The number of business entities and their ownership structure is changing in the healthcare industry. Hospital boards are likely to face decisions related to consolidation, merger activity, “right sizing,” and the deferral of projects—all of which require change. These changes—whether forced or anticipated to sustain access, improve quality of care, and lower costs—present a challenge for the board. An agreed-upon approach to delve into uncomfortable territory and face the “change challenge” now can go a long way to ensure board effectiveness. Linda Galindo explores the need for boards to modify their culture in order to be prepared and open to new, difficult decisions, as well as stakeholders’ reactions. 

On Healthcare and Health Gain

In this article, James A. Rice, Ph.D., FACHE, discusses a question he was asked while in Eastern Africa: “How is it that with all the money being spent in the U.S. for medical care, that your health outcomes in cities are not much better than our indicators?” While considering this question, he began to wonder how the U.S. compares to other nations, and he found that our country is not performing well in one major area: child birth and related maternal and infant death rates. Here he looks deeper into this finding, and its increased attention in today’s quality-focused healthcare environment.

Join us for our upcoming Webinar on Tuesday, April 10 from 2:00–3:00 p.m. Eastern/11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Pacific. In 2006, Massachusetts passed legislation that was intended to provide universal health insurance coverage, which became, in many respects, the template for national healthcare reform. This Webinar, presented by Don Seymour, will provide an overview of the legislation's impact on coverage, access, providers, and insurance companies after five years of implementation. Click here to register for the Webinar.

 

New Publications and Resources Healthcare Leadership: Guiding the Organization through Transformational Change (White Paper, March 2012) The Road to Clinical Integration: Building Relationships, Driving Change  (System Invitational Proceedings, November 2011 )   The Board's Work in Quality (CEO Roundtable, October 2011)   Board Committees  (Elements of Governance®, Winter 2012)   BoardRoom Press, Volume 23, No. 1 (BoardRoom Press, February 2012) Go to our Resource Library to view more.

The Governance Institute Conferences

Spring Leadership Conferences Provide Knowledge for Today's Changing Healthcare Landscape
	Healthcare board members and executive leaders are invited to join us for our April Leadership Conference at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona. From April 15–18, healthcare experts will present attendees with knowledge of the latest, most critical topics in healthcare governance. This conference will offer healthcare leaders the opportunity to gain new perspective on the current healthcare landscape and walk away with fresh insight on ways to better prepare for the governance challenges and industry changes ahead.
Presenters at this conference include: Erminia M. Guarneri, M.D., FACC: Why Integrative Medicine Is Crucial to Healthcare Reform Martin Buser, M.P.H., FACHE: Transform Your Hospitalist Program to a High-Performance Service in the Era of Healthcare Reform Lisa Goldstein: Moody's 2012 Healthcare Outlook & Update from the Credit Markets Don Seymour: Strategic Success in the Reform Era

On May 6 – 9, Industry experts and fellow leaders will share their predictions, knowledge, and experience during our Leadership Conference at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville, North Carolina. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge and perspective that they can take back and use to help shape their organizations and the future of the healthcare industry.
Presenters at this conference include: Richard L. Clarke, D.H.A., FHFMA: Driving Value: A Strategic Imperative Emily Friedman: Ethics Challenges &Opportunities for Trustees  Pamela R. Knecht: Tackling Tough Strategic Questions: The New Board–Management Partnership Thomas A. Atchison, Ed.D.: Reframing Healthcare Leadership in Today's Realities

Click here to view the complete programs and register for these and other 2012 conferences.
Members, remember to redeem your free conference passes.

Chairperson, CEO, & Physician Leader Conference (Member Only) The Broadmoor Colorado Springs, Colorado June 3–5, 2012	Governance Support & Medical Services Professional Conference   The Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park Chicago, Illinois August 12–14, 2012
Leadership Conference The Broadmoor Colorado Springs, Colorado September 9–12, 2012

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