The majority of all public hospitals in Ontario are incorporated under the Corporations Act and governed by a board of directors. Over 150 hospital corporations exist. The Corporations Act sets out requirements for the hospital's boards of directors, such as the minimum number of directors and minimum frequency of meetings.
The Public Hospitals Act and its regulations provide the framework within which hospitals operate. The Public Hospitals Act also sets out requirements regarding the composition and responsibilities of boards, including responsibilities for the quality of patient care. Under the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Act, the duties and functions of the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care (Minister) includes governing the care treatment, services, and facilities provided by hospitals. The Minister is also responsible for administering and enforcing the Public Hospitals Act and its regulations.
The board governance plays a vital role by providing the leadership necessary to ensure that hospitals offer the best patient care possible while functioning efficiently, effectively, and economically.
