In the wake of Congressional hearings, charity care lawsuits, IRS audits and state government inquiries into their activities, not-for-profit organizations and their boards no longer enjoy the public's presumption of doing good work for selfless motives. Rather, they must be prepared to demonstrate effective oversight, board integrity, and community benefit more transparently than ever. So say Barry S. Bader, Edward A. Kazemek and Roger W. Witalis in a new White Paper, "Emerging Standards for Institutional Integrity: A Tipping Point for Charitable Organizations," just published by The Governance Institute. The White Paper describes the pressures for accountability facing tax-exempt organizations and offers 72 recommended practices for community benefit oversight, fiscal integrity, executive compensation oversight, conflict of interest, public transparency, and effective overall governance. The White Paper currently is available to members of The Governance Institute. For further information, contact TGI at http://www.governanceinstitute.com/ or call (877) 712-8778.
The winter issue of Great Boards will be available in December. We will look at trends and hot issues healthcare boards can expect in 2007 and also revisit the board's role in executive compensation, offering best practices and red flags to watch for.
If you missed it, the fall 2006 issue of Great Boards is available on line at www.GreatBoards.org. Our lead story examines community benefit: how to define and measure it, how to inform your community of your hospitals' good works, and most important -- what boards need to ask about their hospitals' community benefit activities. Be sure to check out the links to community benefit guidelines, hospital association web sites, and hospitals' reports to their communities on the Great Boards website, at http://www.greatboards.org/resources/cbr.asp. The fall issue also includes advice for choosing and preparing the next board chairperson.
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Barry S. Bader, Bader & Associates
12225 Seline Way, Potomac MD 20854, 301-340-0903
www.GreatBoards.org *** bbader@GreatBoards.org