Board policy manual & workplace conduct - Kingston General Hospital

ISSUED BY:AUTHORIZED BY:CATEGORY:COMMITTEE:KGH Board of DirectorsKGH Board of DirectorsBoard EffectivenessArticle B: Governance ProcessGovernanceNUMBER: V-1ISSUE DATE: April 2010REVISION DATES:REVIEW DATE: April 2011PAGE: 1 of 1SUBJECT:GOVERNANCE POLICY FRAMEWORKPreambleThe Board of Directors approved a new hospital bylaw in February 2009.The bylaw specifies the following elements of the governance framework which are guiding thework of the Board.The “Pointer-Orlikoff” governance model which has been adopted by the Board includes threeroles for the Board: policy formulation, decision-making and oversight.Policy formulation is defined in Article 4.09 (a) of the KGH Bylaw as “(to) establish policies toprovide guidance for those empowered with the responsibility to lead and manage theCorporation’s operations.“Board policies perform two absolutely essential functions. First, they express Boardexpectations – of the organization as a whole, of itself, of management and the medical staff.Policies are the means by which Boards specify and convey what they want done (and whatthey want the organization to refrain from doing) in addition to the range of acceptable (andunacceptable) means for accomplishing specified goals. To lead rather than follow, policiesmust clarify and articulate Board expectations. Second, policy is the mechanism by whichBoards direct and constrain as they delegate authority and tasks to management and themedical staff.” 1Scope and Organization of Board Policies: Many Boards establish policies related only to theirown structures and processes (i.e. those matters which were established during the governancerenewal process and which are contained in Part V of this policy manual. However, a criticalelement of this governance model is for the Board to establish policies related to each of itsdefined areas on responsibility. Consequently, the KGH Board policies are organized accordingto the responsibilities of the Board of Directors as detailed in the Bylaws (Article 5.10):• Establish Strategic Direction• Provide for Excellent Leadership and Management• Monitor Quality and Effectiveness• Ensure Financial and Organizational Viability• Ensure Board Effectiveness• Build and Maintain Positive Relationships____________________1 Pointer and Orlikoff. Board Work: Governing Health Care Organizations, Jossey Bass 1999