Dahl Memorial Adopts Board Meeting Policy Welcoming Public Attendance and Comment

Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association (DMHA) has adopted a Board Meeting and Public Participation Policy outlining when members of the public may observe the Governing Board’s proceedings and how to request time for public comment. The policy was approved at the Board’s March meeting and will go into effect at the upcoming Board meeting on Tuesday, April 28.

The policy reflects the hospital’s commitment to transparency and accountability, while also protecting confidential information required in healthcare governance. DMHA is an independent, private Montana nonprofit corporation, and public attendance and comment are provided voluntarily by the Board as a transparency practice.

Under the policy, each regular Board meeting includes an Open Agenda (public session) that is open to public observation. This portion of the meeting generally includes standard reports and discussion presented at a level appropriate for public observation, and concludes with a structured public comment period. After the Open Agenda, the Board may transition to a Closed Agenda (closed working session) to address sensitive governance matters such as workforce topics, contracts, strategic and financial oversight, regulatory compliance, quality and patient safety data, and other confidential hospital operations.

Community members who wish to speak are encouraged to submit a written request at least 24 hours before the meeting to allow time for placement on the agenda; the request must state the topic. If time permits, the Board Chair may also accept sign-ups at the meeting. Each speaker is generally limited to two minutes, and comments must remain respectful, address issues rather than individuals, and avoid prohibited content such as Protected Health Information (PHI) and the names or identification of individual staff members, providers, patients, or residents.

Consistent with the policy, the Board will listen to public comments but will not respond, debate, or engage in dialogue during the meeting. At the Chair’s discretion, topics raised may be referred to the CEO or an appropriate Board or committee chair for review and possible follow-up outside the meeting.

Hospital leadership noted that the policy is intended to provide a clear, consistent process for public participation while ensuring the Board can fulfill its fiduciary and legal responsibilities. In healthcare,

balancing openness with confidentiality is essential to protect patients, support workforce privacy, and maintain the integrity of quality and compliance oversight.

· Attend during the Open Agenda (public session).

· Submit a written request at least 24 hours in advance (include your topic).

· If time permits, the Chair may accept same-day sign-ups.

· Two-minute time limit per speaker.

· No PHI, no patient-identifying details, and no naming individual staff members or providers.

· The Board listens but does not engage in dialogue during public comment.

Information about upcoming Board meetings and how to request public comment will be shared through the hospital’s regular communications. To request placement on the public comment agenda, contact the hospital administration office and submit your topic in writing at least 24 hours in advance.