Health care in the U.S. is undergoing an unprecedented level of change and uncertainty. Rapid changes in the structure, ownership, and organization of delivery systems have contributed to increased public scrutiny. A growing number of hospital acquisitions, closures, reductions in services, and labor disputes have raised questions about the role and contributions of nonprofit hospitals. In the midst of this growing public scrutiny, nonprofit hospitals are faced with unprecedented financial pressures associated with rising costs and reduced reimbursements from public and private sector payers.
At the local level, nonprofit hospitals are under increasing pressure from advocacy groups and other stakeholders to more clearly demonstrate their commitment to fulfill their charitable obligations. In these situations, hospitals tend to resist engagement with groups viewed as hostile to their interests, and advocacy groups tend to rely primarily upon confrontational tactics. The net effect may be a begrudging acquiescence by the hospital to near term demands, but a general downward spiral in its relationship with community stakeholders.
There are a growing number of local stakeholders that are exploring an alternative path to problem solving. This path emphasizes shared accountability among diverse stakeholders, and strategic investment that builds upon existing community assets. It also characterized by a commitment to build a common understanding of practical realities faced by hospitals and other local stakeholders, and an exploration of avenues for shared advocacy. These and other emerging strategies will be explored in this session.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Identify key junctures in the evolution of community benefit law. 2. Describe key lessons from community benefit practices to date. 3. Develop strategies to leverage meaningful engagement of hospitals and community stakeholders.
Keywords: Advocacy, Partnerships
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.