Because regulations are prolific in healthcare, CEOs often explore creative options to minimize the use of resources needed to stay ahead of current regulations and keep up with new ones. Therefore, developing partnerships, alignments, and mergers with former competitors will occur. When Hillary Clinton proposed major changes in the 90s, hospital executives attempted to anticipate the impact of crippling regulations by coming together and pooling resources.

• Discuss what relevant factors you as a CEO would first consider when determining whether to merge with another hospital or hospital system.