Question: We train our team members on community benefit reporting and understanding of community benefit activities and program planning. Can we count this training as community benefit?
Recommendation: Count the cost of educating community benefit staff on proper reporting, including what should count, how to accurately define direct and indirect expenses, alignment with your CHNA, etc. Include the time spent by the instructor and any participants while on company time.
We recommend reporting the cost to educate your community benefit staff should in category G: Community Benefit Operations in either G1 Assigned Staff or G3 Other Resources. Take care not to double-count time, especially if all or a percentage of time is already included in G1 Assigned Staff.
Do not count the cost of general education for all hospital staff on the "what" and "why" of community benefit, including time spent during onboarding. We would consider this to be a cost of doing business.
Please Take Note: The information provided does not constitute legal or tax advice. The material is provided for informational/educational purposes only. Please consult with counsel regarding your organization's particular circumstances.