According to Health Care Risk Management standards supported by ASHRM and the American Hospital Association Certification Center, the primary consideration in designing a risk management program is alignment with the organization’s mission and vision. A risk management program must support the strategic goals, values, and patient care objectives of the facility. This ensures that risk identification, mitigation strategies, and reporting structures are integrated into the broader organizational framework.
While facility size, insurance structure, and historical claims experience are important operational factors, they are secondary to strategic alignment. The mission and vision guide priorities such as patient safety, quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and financial stewardship. Risk management activities should be structured to advance these priorities, reinforce leadership commitment, and support governance oversight.
An effective program reflects organizational culture, scope of services, and community role. It establishes reporting mechanisms to leadership, integrates enterprise risk management principles, and promotes collaboration across departments.
Health Care Operations objectives emphasize governance integration, strategic alignment, and organizational accountability. Therefore, the mission and vision of the facility should be the primary consideration when designing a new risk management program.
