Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), not-for-profit hospitals are now required to submit special reports that show how their services and organization have benefitted their local area community. These reports include amounts paid for charity or uncompensated care, as well as the value of healthcare outreach services to the community.
How do these activities change the focus of a not-for-profit community hospital from "no margin, no mission" to a broader focus on community relations? What impact will community benefit reporting have on the financial status of these organizations?