March 28, 2024

MercyOne trustee receives IHA board certification

Jeff King, MercyOne Newton Medical Center trustee, was among a group of 76 Iowa hospital trustees and 14 Iowa hospital boards from across the state recently honored April at the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) Trustee Recognition Ceremony at the Embassy Suites Downtown in Des Moines. The event was held in conjunction with an annual IHA education conference for hospital trustees and governing boards.

King joins Lois Vogel in local board members who have earned their certification. This IHA Hospital Board Certification program provides a framework for hospital trustees and governing boards to demonstrate their individual and collective commitment to their governance roles and responsibilities. Certification is made up of two components: education and governance best practices. Trustees who have met the certification requirements have completed 12 hours of health care-specific education over a two-year period and confirm individually and as a board that recognized governance best practices are being utilized. Hospitals and health systems are also recognized as One, Two, or Three Star Boards depending on the percentage of board members certified.

Through this certification program, individual trustees and entire hospital boards show their community and its stakeholders including employers and businesses, lawmakers and hospital employees their commitment to serving in the best interests of the community. More than 230 trustees and 22 hospital boards are currently certified. The goal for MercyOne Newton is to have all local board members receive this certification by 2020.