Profile of hospital governance: a report from the nation's hospitals.

During the 1980s, hospital governing boards struggled to solve a host of new and difficult problems while attempting to meet the needs of their communities. As we enter the last decade of the 20th century, different challenges lie ahead. To meet these challenges, hospital boards must first understand their various responsibilities. The results of this survey will provide a starting point to understand how hospitals are currently dealing with issues such as governing board composition and organization, board/CEO relations, and governing board operations. (Future articles in Trustee will focus on individual aspects of the survey.) In so doing, readers may begin to unlock the key to increased effectiveness.