Press Release

Statement on Governance Report on Nonprofit Community Health Systems

Contact:
Matthew Fenwick - (312) 422-2820
Alicia Mitchell - (202) 626-2339

Washington D.C.

Rich Umbdenstock
President and CEO
American Hospital Association

February 15, 2008

Today's study provides important insights into the governance of local not-for-profit hospital systems and will be of interest to both systems and community leaders alike.  The key issues highlighted in the report are important ones that health system boards examine as they work to enhance their practices.  We welcome this report as one more resource, as good governance ultimately improves a hospital system's ability to best serve its community.

The report is helpful for all boards and adds to the growing body of information that boards can turn to in their on-going assessment and guidance of hospital systems.  Boards today have growing responsibilities and reports like this one help identify areas where progress is being made and also highlights areas for improvement.  As a snapshot of hospital system governance we are proud of the great work all hospitals do everyday and appreciate tools like these to support the on-going efforts for continued improvement by hospitals. 

About AHA

The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the improvement of health in their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which includes more than 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, and 38,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends.