Improving the quality of governance. A multiunit organization takes steps to strengthen local boards

"A Plan for the Healthcare Apostolate," adopted in 1981, established goals and strategies to strengthen the Daughters of Charity National Health System-East Central (DCNHS-East Central). The plan provided the basis for a series of steps taken during the past decade to improve local-level governance. DCNHS-East Central has taken actions in the areas of board composition, trustee orientation and development, board leadership, definitions of governance roles and responsibilities, and performance evaluation. These steps have resulted in substantial improvement in the performance of local-level governance functions within DCNHS-East Central.