Questions and Answers

Q1: Who will serve on the Valley Board? A: The Valley Board will include all current Public Hospital District #1 commissioners as well as five trustees who reside within the District Service Area, at least three of whom must also reside within the boundaries of the District. In addition, the Valley Board will include two current or former trustees of the UW Medicine Board or a board of one of the other component entities within UW Medicine. The CEO of UW Medicine or his designee also will serve on the new Board. Q2: What is the role of a trustee on the Valley Board of Trustees? A: The board of trustees of a hospital is responsible for oversight of all aspects of a hospitals operation - for example, establishing policy, maintaining quality patient care, providing for institutional management and planning, and ensuring compliance with the law. The board does not manage the hospital or deliver patient care. In carrying out these responsibilities, each of the trustees will have fiduciary duties and the duty to act in good faith, with reasonable care, in a manner believed to be in the best interests of Valley Medical Center and its clinics, and not for personal benefit. Each trustee must discharge faithfully and honestly his or her duties and perform strictly and impartially to the best of his or her ability. Each trustee must comply with UW Medicine's Policy on Professional Conduct (http://uwmedicine.washington.edu/Global/policies/Pages/Professional-Conduct.aspx), the Ethics in Public Service Act, RCW Chapter 42.52 and RCW Chapter 42.20 and all other duties and obligations owed by a public officer under the laws of the state of Washington. Q3: What are desirable characteristics in a trustee? A: The role of a trustee of a hospital carries great responsibility. The Washington State Hospital Association provides governance resources to hospital members and their trustees and suggests the following desirable characteristics in a hospital trustee: y y y y y y y y y y A commitment to the hospital and the community the hospital serves; Observing high standards of integrity; Preparing for each Board meeting by studying the agenda and supporting information; Attending the entire Board meeting(s) (a schedule has not yet been set); Participating in Board meetings with their comments; Carrying out committee and Board assignments; Publicly supporting Board actions even if they do not agree with the decision; Having some knowledge about hospitals and healthcare; Prior board of trustee experience; Attending continuing education programs; and

Avoiding real or perceived conflicts of interest.

Q4: What is the deadline to nominate an individual for consideration as a trustee? A: Individuals have until July 31, 2011 to submit nominations for community trustees. Q5: What is the term of the initial trustees? A: In order to create staggered terms for continuity of the new board, three community trustees will serve an initial two-year term, one community trustee will serve a four-year term and one community trustee will serve a six-year term. All subsequent terms are four years. Q6: Is this a compensated position? A: Trustees are eligible for per diem and reimbursement for reasonable mileage and expenses for attendance at board and board committee meetings and other board obligations. Q7: What is the expected time commitment? A: It is expected that you might spend between 12 20 hours per month in board and board committee meetings in addition to an initial orientation, annual retreat, educational and in-service opportunities. Service as an officer of the board may entail a greater time commitment. Q8: When will nominees be notified? A: The appointment process is a rolling process but all five trustees will be appointed no later than December 31, 2011.