Michael Wagner

The form of Massachusetts government is provided by the Constitution of the Commonwealth. The legislative power is exercised by the bicameral General Court, which is composed of the Senate and House of Representatives. The executive power generally is exercised by the Governor, although only after receiving the advice and consent of the Governor's Council with respect to certain subjects. Several other officers, including the Attorney General and Secretary of the Commonwealth, perform executive functions and are elected independently. The judicial power is reposed in the Supreme Judicial Court, which superintends the entire system of courts. Cities and towns also act through local governmental bodies that possess only the authority granted to them by the Commonwealth over local issues, including limited home rule authority.

The Massachusetts Hospital Association (MHA) is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization comprised of hospitals and health systems, related organizations, and other members with a common interest in promoting the good health of the people of the Commonwealth. Through leadership in public advocacy, education, and information, MHA represents and advocates for the collective interests of its members and supports their efforts to provide high quality, cost effective and accessible care. While Massachusetts hospitals and other care providers are facing an era of unprecedented change, MHA members remain committed to their most basic mission: caring for people. To continue to fulfill this mission, the hospitals and health systems of Massachusetts support a set of fundamental values. We believe that the health care system must: focus on the needs of patients and the health status of the community; provide access to care for all members of society; use resources wisely and support incentives for high quality, cost-effective care; work continuously to improve the quality of care; be accountable for its performance to the community; fulfill healthcare needs through collaboration and partnerships; support innovation and leadership in advancing the clinical process, new delivery models, and ways to lower cost and reconfigure capacity.