Operating Principles of Governance

The following Operating Principles provide a framework for clarifying how the Board will operate, including what is expected of individual members.

The Board:

1. The Board has the ultimate fiduciary responsibility for determining whether directions proposed by management or medical staff leadership are consistent with the Board approved mission, vision, and strategic priorities and whether they are in the long term interest of the organization and the community.

2. The work of the Board (i.e., in-depth review and discussion) will be done within its standing and ad hoc committees; and each committee will be accountable for meeting written goals and objectives. As a general rule, the initial discussion and review of major decisions will not begin within either the full Board or the Executive Committee.

3. The Board will operate with the follow principles:

a. Provide effective oversight regarding all of the key responsibility areas.

b. All board deliberations will be organized and managed in such a way as to add value to the decision making process.

c. Board and committee discussions will be approached with a commitment to making major decisions in a timely manner that supports successful goal achievement.

d. In order for board decisions to be understood and supported, key organizational stakeholders will have appropriate input into major decisions that affect them.

e. Board members will be informed and knowledgeable regarding decisions in which they are involved; and they will accept accountability for those decisions.

f. Individual board members, the President, designated members of administration, and medical staff leadership will be held accountable by the Board for achieving mutually agreed upon results.

4. The Board will focus on broad policy issues and will not become involved in operational details.

5. Straightforward sharing of thoughts and concerns is to be encouraged; and sensitive issues are not to be avoided. At the same time, a respectful and supportive tone will be reflected in all board and committee discussions.

6. The work of the Board will be clearly documented; and progress will be communicated to key stakeholders on an on-going basis.

7. There will be openness, trust, respect and inclusion between and among board members, physicians and management.

Individual Board Members:

Individual board members will operate with the follow principles:

1. Promote an organization-wide perspective (i.e. - what is best for the total organization) and generate ideas related to how the organization's vision, and strategic priorities can be fulfilled.

2. React to the analysis and recommendations of the President and designated members of administration and test the thoughts and recommendations of these individuals.

3. Offer advice and counsel to the President and designated members of administration that will help improve the expected outcomes.

4. Publicly support the President and members of administration, while holding them accountable for achieving agreed upon results.

5. Work collaboratively with the President and designated members of administration to identify ways board members can provide direct support for achieving strategic objectives.

6. Promote what is good for the organization as a whole and avoid actively promoting the interests of any specific constituency.

7. Share thoughts openly and honestly; be willing to disagree; and support the final decision of the Board.

8. Avoid taking any individual or independent action in the name of the institution, unless it is at the request of the full Board or Executive Committee.

Maintain the Board's policies related to conflict-of-interest and confidentiality.

Content Provided by
The Bristol Group

 

 

Shaping the Future of Health Care
33 Fuller Road • Augusta, Maine • 04330 • tel 207-622-4794 • fax 207-622-3073