Hospitals have always been dedicated to community health, but new laws on how hospitals interact with their communities must now also be taken into consideration. This book provides a concise overview of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and IRS requirements for community involvement with specific recommendations for compliance. Learn how to build on your hospital’s existing programs, services, and activities to ensure that your organization is on the forefront of meeting community expectations and federal legal requirements.

• The ACA and IRS requirements for community-benefit programs, needs assessments, and improvement plans
• How to identify new community partners and opportunities for win-win community engagement
• What specific actions healthcare leaders can take to ensure compliance with mandates and maximize the benefits of community programs
• How to develop a sophisticated communications initiative to reach internal and external audiences

  “This book is a well-researched, practical guide for hospitals striving to enhance the value of their community-benefit programs and seeking to ensure compliance with external regulatory requirements. The reader will come away with a much better understanding of what is required, and more important, what can be done to make programs for the community even more valuable to the institution and the people it serves.”

  - Charles R. Evans, FACHE