WSHA Health Care Governance Education program offers free learning opportunity

February 19, 2020

Twenty-nine Washington hospitals had CEOs, board members and commissioners participate in 2019

SEATTLE — The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) launched the WSHA Health Care Governance Education program in 2019 to help increase the skills and expertise of those who govern Washington state health systems. This includes members of boards of directors and public hospital districts’ elected commissioners. Participation far exceeded expectations during the program’s inaugural year, demonstrating a commitment by hospital leaders to strengthen their understanding of hospital governance and ability to enhance board effectiveness.

Fifty-nine individuals representing 29 organizations earned their WSHA Health Care Governance Certification, and 105 individuals logged at least one credit hour in 2019.

In collaboration with the Hospital Governing Boards Committee, WSHA staff developed the program from CEO and board leader interviews, consultant expertise and national best practices. Educational content is offered through WSHA events, webinars and approved peer learning events. Participation is free.

Board members and commissioners who participate in the program can earn the WSHA Health Care Governance Certification. Participants must log 12 credits to achieve certification. Each learning hour translates to one credit hour.

“As health care leaders, we have a responsibility to educate ourselves on how to best assist our hospitals and health systems in meeting the needs of our patients and the greater community,” WSHA Hospital Governing Boards Committee Chair Buffy Alegria said. “The WSHA Health Care Governance Education program is a valuable opportunity to expand our knowledge.”

“Excellent governance is essential to excellent hospitals,” WSHA President & CEO Cassie Sauer said. “We are inspired by the popularity this program has garnered, as it shows the commitment our health care leaders have to improving their own skills to better serve their communities.”

The first WSHA Health Care Governance awards dinner recognizing certificate awardees will take place on Wednesday, May 13 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Seattle Airport Marriott. The dinner is scheduled the evening before the 2020 Safety & Quality Leadership Summit, which will take place on Thursday, May 14.

The 2019 WSHA Health Care Governance Certification awardees represent a diverse group of hospitals and health systems across Washington state, including:

  • Cascade Medical
  • Cascade Valley Hospital & Clinics
  • Columbia Basin Hospital
  • Coulee Medical Center
  • EvergreenHealth Monroe
  • Garfield County Public Hospital District
  • Grays Harbor Community Hospital
  • UW Medicine/Harborview Medical Center
  • Jefferson Healthcare
  • Klickitat Valley Health
  • Lake Chelan Community Hospital
  • Lincoln Hospital
  • Mason General Hospital
  • Mid-Valley Hospital
  • Ocean Beach Hospital
  • Odessa Memorial Healthcare
  • Olympic Medical Center
  • Othello Community Hospital
  • Pullman Regional Hospital
  • Quincy Valley Medical Center
  • Samaritan Healthcare
  • Skamania County Hospital District No. 1
  • Snoqualmie Pacific Medical Center
  • Summit Pacific Medical Center
  • Three Rivers Hospital
  • Trios Health
  • UW Medicine/Valley Medical Center
  • Whitman Hospital and Medical Center
  • and Willapa Harbor Hospital

If you or your organization is interested in participating in the WSHA Governance Education program in 2020, we invite you to learn more about the program on WSHA.org.

About the Washington State Hospital Association

The Washington State Hospital Association advocates for and provides value to members in achieving their missions and improving the health of their communities. WSHA represents more than 100 hospitals and health systems in the state, including those that are non-profit, investor-owned, and county, state and military hospitals. The Quadruple Aim guides our members and our work as we strive to reduce the cost of health care and improve the patient experience, the clinician experience and the health of our communities. Visit www.wsha.org for more information.

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