Compliance partners: Tips to win over the board

You may have noticed increased attention from the board of directors and compliance board recently. Spurred to action by federal rules related to corporate responsibility and heightened attention regarding healthcare nonprofit organizations, board involvement in compliance concerns is no longer simply "good business"; it is the law.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 set more-stringent rules for corporate executives and directors of all businesses. Many serving on private sector boards take that heightened awareness with them when they serve on nonprofit boards at hospitals.

Also, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has shown an increased interest in 990 forms filed annually by nonprofits.

These forms outline an organizations' expenses and income. Government officials blamed some board members for failing to detect tax-code violations or fraud committed by the organizations they assist.