John Thoma 
Interview Responses

Nominees were asked to provide written responses to the following questions prior to their interview with the Governance Committee.

A.  What do you see as the top three roles of a board member of a national organization?  What goals do you hope to achieve through NHPCO board service?

The top three roles of a board member of a national organization are:

1. Work to achieve the strategic goals of the organization, including fundraising, and assist management in leading a premier national organization.  This responsibility includes active participation in committee work, a meaningful financial commitment, and active participation in board meeting governance and oversight.
2. Engage membership in the activities of the organization.  This includes two way communications between the organization and members at the regional and national level, promoting the programs and services of the organization, and assisting with member retention.
3. Represent the organization at the national, state or local level.  This includes advocacy, government affairs and community outreach.

The goals I hope to achieve through NHPCO board service are:

1. Increase the utilization of hospice care at the national, state and local level.
2. Promote the awareness and expansion of palliative care in conjunction with hospice.
3. Positively impact the quality of care in order to better serve a growing need and demonstrate the value of hospice within the healthcare system.

B. The profile of the hospice industry has evolved over the past 10 years and some changes have led to tension between providers.  What do you see as the role of the NHPCO Board with regard to an increasingly diverse membership?  (Increased competition, new entrants, rural vs. urban needs, other post-acute providers adding hospice services, and hospice provider tax status.)

The role of the NHPCO Board with regard to an increasingly diverse membership is to leverage diversity in order to strengthen the industry as a whole.  Diversity in membership is necessary for the industry to evolve and adapt.  As long as the Board can remain a unified body and speak with one voice, a Board strategy of encouraging diversity will prepare the hospice and palliative industry to influence and capitalize on healthcare changes and withstand increased oversight.  The Board can play a role by integrating and supporting diverse business models and diverse service models along a continuum of care including bereavement and pediatric care.

Within a broad global vision, the NHPCO Board can maintain unity while promoting diversity in three ways:

1. Continue to encourage innovation along the continuum of care.
2. Maintain a unity platform with common bonds and common interests related to high quality standards, regulatory integrity and public advocacy, regardless of size, location, tax status or years of service.
3. Provide technical support and education that is easily accessible to all to enhance the viability of diverse programs.