Unit Governance

Patient Care Services uses a group governance model to promote staff participation in management of each unit. The group governance model is referred to as unit governance.

The unit governance model includes the patient care manager (PCM) and clinical leaders (CL) in administrative roles. Patient care managers are responsible for more than one related unit. There are three to four clinical leaders on each unit who act as the charge nurse and perform staff evaluations and initial coaching/disciplinary actions. The PCM and CLs make up the administration of each unit and are responsible for human resource issues, have 24-hour responsibility for quality of care and promote two-way communication.

Staff participate in one of three unit-based committees.

The QI/CP Committee is responsible for the development of patient care protocols and standards of care, development of staff competencies, developing correct action plans for quality of care issues and staff education.

The Regulatory Compliance Committee conducts open chart audits to monitor compliance with required documentation and may also conduct other unit surveys. They also provide staff education regarding regulatory compliance.

The Cost Containment Committee reviews the monthly financial reports with the PCM and makes recommendations for supply utilization savings.

The chairs of the unit-based committees comprise the division-wide QI/CP Committee, Regulatory Compliance Committee and sit on the UMC Product Standardization and Utilization Committee.

The committee chairs report at staff meetings so that all staff are aware of the governance activities carried out by the committee members. The reports are reflected in the minutes so those unable to attend staff meetings can see the activities. Many units also have areas on bulletin board for unit governance committee activities and reports.

Staff are encouraged to participate in unit governance committees or hospital-wide committees. Staff who attend unit committees on off-duty time are paid for their time.