Board members play a critical role in ensuring the hospital operates effectively and efficiently, and provides high-quality health care services.
Some boards may utilize HIPAA-compliant board management software to further support hospital operations. This software can help the hospital board of directors manage sensitive information and documents related to the hospital’s operations, such as patient data, financial reports, and board meeting minutes.
Hospital board members may or may not receive compensation, depending on factors such as the hospital’s size, location, and ownership structure. Read on to learn more about compensation for a hospital board of directors.
What is a Hospital Board of Directors?
A hospital board of directors is the governing body responsible for overseeing the operations and management of a hospital. The board consists of a group of individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, including health care professionals, business leaders, and community representatives. They may also include a medical advisory board.
The specific board duties may vary, but in general include:
- Setting the hospital’s strategic goals and objectives
- Approving policies and procedures for the hospital
- Providing oversight to hospital management and staff
- Ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations
- Reviewing and approving the hospital’s budget and financial reports
- Fundraising and community outreach efforts to support the hospital’s mission
The board of directors ensures the hospital operates responsibly and ethically and remains financially sustainable over the long term.
Why is the Hospital Board of Directors Important?
The hospital board of directors is vital for several reasons, including:
- Oversight: The hospital board of directors oversees hospital management. They review the hospital’s financial reports, policies, and procedures, and make decisions to guide its strategic direction.
- Strategic planning: The board of directors establishes goals and objectives for the hospital and ensures it’s working toward achieving them.
- Accountability: The board of directors is accountable to the hospital’s stakeholders, including patients, staff, and the community. They ensure the hospital operates responsibly and ethically, while providing the best possible care to its patients.
- Fundraising: The hospital board of directors plays a crucial role in fundraising and community outreach efforts. They may build relationships with donors and community partners, helping to strengthen the hospital’s ties to its community.
In addition to their responsibilities, the hospital board of directors may also conduct regular board assessments to evaluate their performance and identify improvement areas. This self-assessment process helps ensure the board is fulfilling its duties effectively and the hospital is benefiting from the board’s expertise and guidance.
Efficiently track and document board decisions with our Meeting Minutes Template
Hospital Board Member Compensation
Hospital board member compensation can vary depending on the hospital, its location and the board member’s experience and expertise.
As there is no standard level of compensation, it can range from no payment to a modest stipend for their time and effort. Factors such as the size and complexity of the hospital, the board member’s level of experience, and the region in which the hospital is located can all affect compensation levels.
Sometimes, hospital board members may receive additional benefits, such as health care coverage or travel reimbursement. These benefits can vary depending on the hospital’s policies and the board member responsibilities.
Hospital board members serve voluntarily, as they are committed to advancing the hospital’s mission and providing high-quality health care services to patients. While compensation is a consideration for hospital board members, it’s not the primary motivation for serving on the board. Instead, board members are motivated by a desire to positively affect the health care system and ensure their hospital provides the best possible patient care.
Improving Hospital Board Member Effectiveness
Board management software is designed to streamline and facilitate the tasks and activities of corporate boards, including hospital boards. It includes a suite of tools and features enabling board members to collaborate, communicate, and manage board-related tasks better.
A board management software solution can improve hospital board effectiveness in the following ways:
- Provide a centralized platform for board members to access important information and documents, such as meeting agendas, minutes, reports, and financial statements. This platform can save time and reduce the risk of miscommunication or errors caused by outdated or incomplete information.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among board members, enabling them to share ideas, feedback, and concerns in real time. This ensures all board members are informed and engaged in decision-making processes, leading to more effective and inclusive governance.
- Streamline administrative tasks like scheduling meetings, managing attendance, and tracking action items. This reduces the burden on administrative staff and enables board members to focus more on strategic planning and oversight.
A board management software solution can help hospital boards to operate more efficiently, transparently, and effectively, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.
OnBoard Powers Effective Hospital Boards
The compensation offered to hospital board members is not standardized and varies depending on the hospital’s size, location, complexity, and the board member’s experience. Despite the variability in compensation, most hospital board members are motivated by a desire to positively affect the health care system and provide high-quality health care services to patients.
OnBoard is a leading provider of board management software that empowers hospital boards to improve their effectiveness and efficiency. Using OnBoard software can help hospital boards improve their governance practices and decision-making processes, benefiting patients, stakeholders, and the hospital.
OnBoard offers a free Board Management Software Buyer’s Guide for those interested in purchasing a board management software solution. The guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key features and benefits of board management software and tips for selecting the right solution for your hospital board.
Frequently Asked Questions
The comprehensive blueprint for selecting a results-driven board management vendor.
Want to give your nonprofit board tools to succeed? Request a free trial today, or contact OnBoard about our special nonprofit pricing.
About The Author
- Kelli Thomas is a customer success manager who joined OnBoard in 2022 and specialized in working with health care boards to meet their ever-changing needs. Her favorite part of the job is building relationships with clients, addressing their needs, and providing solutions. An Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis graduate, Kelli lives in Greenwood, Indiana, and enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and dog.
