A new study suggests that non-profit community health systems aren't doing the best job at setting up, monitoring and reporting on community benefit programs. The study, by the University of Iowa College of Public Health, surveyed CEOs of 201 not-for-profit community health systems to determine their board structure and composition, practices, and culture. It then compared the results with recognized good governance benchmarks. The study found that only 36 percent of health systems have formal, board-adopted community benefit plans in place.

To address community benefit documentation gaps, the authors recommend that health systems adopt formal plans that clearly state the systems' plans for providing charitable services and other benefits. The plans should involve local needs assessments, reporting and progress monitoring, the authors concluded.

To learn more about the study:
- read this HFMA News item [1]
- read the research report [2] (.pdf)

Related Articles:
IL hospital must prove community benefit, or else. Report [3]
Chicago voluntary hospitals face tax-exemption loss. Report [4]
VHA: Charity policy must come from the top. Report [5]
PwC: Time to prove community benefit. Report [6]
Catholic Health Association proposes a new benefit standard for voluntary hospitals. Report [7]