Great Boards Updates: March 2007
NEW ISSUE OF GREAT BOARDS NOW AVAILABLE -- ADDRESSES JOINT VENTURE GOVERNANCE AND EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Great Boards begins its 7th year with two in-depth articles. First, we examine a rarely discussed topic: how to organize and engage in the governance of joint ventures. We interviewed leaders from a wide range of health systems on their lessons learned, including how to tailor board structure to purpose, how to choose joint venture directors, and how to align ventures with the health system's strategic goals. Second, in response to many questions from readers, we examine the use and abuse of executive sessions -- with and without the CEO. Learn the possibilities and pitfalls of this growing practice. Download your Spring 2007 issue of Great Boards now at www.GreatBoards.org,
NEW PRESENTATIONS FOR 2007
Barry Bader has updated his list of presentations for board retreats and conferences. Featured topics in 2007 include:
- Institutional Integrity. External forces from Congress to IRS to state attorneys general are increasing their scrutiny of not-for-profit organizations, and hospitals are a prime target. Is your board prepared to meet emerging standards for community benefit and tax exemption, fiscal integrity (including audit oversight), board ethics (including conflicts of interest), and executive compensation? In an era of transparency, how well is the organization communicating its charity care policies, quality of care, patient safety and pricing to consumers? How does the board stack up against rising expectations for director fitness and overall governance effectiveness? This presentation or assessment draws on 72 recommended practices in a new White Paper from The Governance Institute, co-authored by Barry Bader.
- Raising the Bar on Quality and Safety. Learn how effective boards leverage their leadership skills and commitment to make a positive difference in their organization's clinical quality and patient safety. Engage your directors in discussion of how to set ambitious quality goals, support a culture of safety, and use dashboards and other measurement tools to drive improvement. This presentation draws on the latest research and best practices from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and The Governance Institute.
- Redesigning Agendas for "Generative Governance." Redesign your board's agendas, committee structure and reports to tap the board's strategic thinking and creative energies without sacrificing rigorous oversight. This presentation can be coupled with board self evaluation and development of an action plan for enhancing board performance.
- Moving Beyond Confederation in Health Systems. Examine models of decentralized, shared and centralized governance in health systems. Learn how to re-design system and subsidiary board structures and responsibilities to help the organization achieve its full potential as a system. This presentation can also be incorporated into a comprehensive governance assessment process.
- Governance 101. This orientation to board roles, responsibilities and recommended practices is designed for newer board members or as a refresher for the entire board, and is presented in a mini-lecture plus case study format.
For more information, go to http://www.greatboards.org/services/ or call 301-340-0903.
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Barry S. Bader, Bader & Associates
12225 Seline Way, Potomac MD 20854, 301-340-0903
www.GreatBoards.org *** bbader@GreatBoards.org