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The article looks at the significance of employing electronic health records (EHR) at hospitals particularly in improving patient safety, and the role of a hospital's board of directors in the implementation of an EHR. At Sentara Healthcare in Norfolk, Virginia, good results have been experienced due to EHR implementation. Part of its success was the role of the board of directors, which approved the strategy, financing, and value proposition. The impact of an EHR on quality and efficiency of health care delivery is emphasized.

The article elaborates on the executive incentive structure of health partner Sentara Healthcare. Sentara's incentive structure is based on four core principles namely performance, teamwork, accountability and transparency. The article further elaborates that although these core strategic priorities rarely change, targets associated with them evolve with Sentara's ability to quantify relevant behaviors. Sentara is faced with challenges but they believe in the positive impact of the structure.

Discusses the policies being developed by the American Hospitals Association to address the challenges in reforming health care delivery in rural communities in the U.S. in 2004. Elements of effective health care delivery; Ways of achieving affordable health insurance coverage; Interest in a single system with elements of individual responsibility.

Highlights the significance of investing in the American Hospital Association (AHA) to put political power to work. Legislative and regulatory achievements of AHA; Importance of unity among people in the industry; Background on the Hospital Quality Alliance created by the leadership of AHA and other national hospital organizations.

Focuses on the challenges being faced by health care providers in the U.S. Significance of tackling the challenges to the hospital and health care system; Creation of "A Diversity and Cultural Proficiency Assessment Tool for Leaders" by the American Health Association (AHA); Overview of the tactical recommendations of the AHA 2002 report.

Discusses the regulations and statutes about Medicare and Medicaid imposed by the U.S. government on hospitals in the U.S. and their impact on the morale of health care employees. Significance of regulations in the health care field; Efforts of the American Hospital Association to reform the regulatory process in hospitals; Provisions in the Medicare prescription drug legislation that are advantageous to hospitals.

Reports on the efforts of the American Hospital Association (AHA) help U.S. hospitals obtain relief from paperwork and red tape. Action taken to reduce Medicare and Medicaid rules imposed on hospitals; Impact of the U.S. regulatory system on health care providers; Steps taken by AHA in line with the privacy provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

The author discusses the importance of measuring innovation in the U.S. economy. He emphasizes that the basis of assessing innovation for the economy is the growth of output per unit of input. According to economists, innovation and the atmosphere that promotes change in the country are the primary factor for economic growth. He believes that companies that set goals and evaluate outcomes tend to be more creative which are favorable for the economy and global competitiveness.

Discusses the need for the U.S. Congress to act upon the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act H. R. 663. Findings of the U.S. Institute of Medicine report on patient safety; Culture of blame resulting from the medical liability system; Need for a non-punitive environment to allow the discussion of errors.

Focuses on the Covering Kids & Families project which aims to provide health coverage and health care to children and families who do not have private health insurance in the U.S. Number of children who have no health insurance as of August 2004 according to the U.S. Census Bureau; Information on the school performance of uninsured children; Details of the State Children's Health Insurance Program.