A Board member of your hospital trustee is very concerned about the preparedness of the hospital for the upcoming Joint Commission survey which is anticipated to occur within three to six months. The other board members attempted to assure him that the hospital appeared ready, but he continued to press forward with his concerns. To appease him, the CEO of the hospital informed him that the director of quality, which is you, would personally meet with him to share more information on the preparedness of the hospital. You have just been informed by the CEO that you are to have this meeting with the board member within five days and that the CEO would like for you to address one of the following three areas with the board member: provision of adequate staff; provision of a safe environment; or duty to prevent falls.

In an effort to brainstorm with one of your colleagues, you go to the chief nursing officer and share with her that you think one of the three options is most appropriate for your hospital. Describe which option you picked and why you felt that option was most important for the hospital from a board members perspective. Include in your answer why the board would be concerned with this issue, as the chief nursing officer doesnt think any of these areas come under the boards area of responsibilities.