Board training is not a requirement to demonstrate compliance with Chapter 19-Board Authority. However, it is an industry best practice for the board of directors to receive board training on their roles and responsibilities in order to provide oversight of the required responsibilities as outlined in Chapter 19 (Board Authority) of the Health Center Program Compliance Manual. After all, how are board members supposed to provide their required oversight if they haven’t been provided with the tools to be successful in their role?

Regular board training is beneficial for a number of key reasons. First, it enhances a board’s understanding of their legal and fiduciary roles and ensures that the health center complies with relevant laws and regulations. Second, it improves decision making. Regardless of whether a board member is new or has been serving for a while, training will help them to better understand the health center’s mission, vision and strategy in order to make key decisions. Finally, board training will help members as they are out in the community with other stakeholders talking about the health center. A well trained board can enhance a health center’s reputation especially if board members are assisting with fund development. Ongoing board training helps to prepare board members to govern effectively.