A Call for Change in Healthcare Governance

Abstract

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. Over the past 30-40 years many healthcare organizations have gradually shifted from a charitable, not-for-profit organization to a not-for-profit in name only business. Accompanying this shift, has been a shift in hospital governance away from a benevolent organization directed by charitable organizations such as religious organizations to businessman focused on revenue and profits. Of course, this does not mean that not-for-profit organizations are for loss. Small or modest profits are necessary to continue to operate. Accompanying this change in organizational goals from a charitable to a more business focus, has been changes in the hospital board of directors or trustees (1). The mission of a publicly traded corporation is to return economic value to their shareholders and is the primary fiduciary focus of that board. On the other hand, the mission of a not-for-profit, 501c, charitable healthcare system is to provide health services improving the well-being of the community. The …