Mountain View, CA - August 1, 2013 – The El Camino Healthcare District today announced that it has been awarded with the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF), making it the first district in Santa Clara County and the twelfth in the state to receive this distinction. There are 2,184 independent special districts in California. This award recognizes special districts that exemplify outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance.
"This award is a true testament to the hard work and collaboration between the District and our community over the past several years," said Patricia Einarson, M.D., chair of the El Camino Healthcare District Board of Directors. "As a publicly accountable organization, we are committed to being open and transparent about activities and decisions impacting District residents."
In achieving this recognition, the District has successfully implemented eight essential governance transparency requirements, including completing online ethics training for all board members, holding open and public meetings, and filing financial transaction and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner. Additionally, the District fulfilled fifteen website requirements and demonstrated regular community outreach and engagement in its governance.
The District is governed by a Board of Directors composed of five publicly elected or appointed representatives who reside in the District. The Board is responsible for ensuring the District's mission is accomplished and providing public oversight of the District’s business affairs.
The SDLF is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California's special districts through certification, accreditation and other recognition programs. Special districts are independent public agencies that deliver core local services to communities, such as healthcare, water, sanitation, fire protection, parks and recreation and more.
The El Camino Hospital District was established by voter approval in 1956 in accordance with California Local Hospital District Law. The purpose of the District is to establish, maintain and operate or provide assistance in the operation of health facilities and other health care services provider, groups and organizations that are necessary for the maintenance of good physical and mental health in the communities served by the District. The District, now known as El Camino Healthcare District, encompasses most of Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills; a large portion of Sunnyvale, and small sections of Cupertino, Santa Clara, and Palo Alto. The publicly elected El Camino Healthcare District Board of Directors approves tax dollar expenditures, including expenditures for the award winning Community Benefit program. Community Benefit funds are granted each year to local nonprofits, schools and government programs that provide critical health services to the underserved. All District Board meetings are publically noticed, open to the public, and available for viewing on the District website.