Responsibilities of the CMO with the Trustees of Not-for-Profit Healthcare Organizations

Abstract

The governing board of a community-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization is complex and may be an enigma for a chief medical officer. The board and its respective C-suite team will, at times, experience stress in today’s evolving landscape of healthcare. This article discusses the importance of carefully navigating the proverbial line between governance and operations so that both groups support the organization’s mission. The authors describe several factors that may impede effective communication between trustees and management. Further, they argue that trustees must exercise their fiduciary responsibilities and challenge management at times to maintain proper oversight of the organization. Their goal is to help CMOs understand their duties to their board members so all stakeholders will be successful for the organization in which they serve.