Banner Health

“Larry lazarus and quentin smith have a business relationship. Dennis dahlen, ronald bunnell, and charles lehn have a business relationship as officers/directors of medisun and veritage. Ronald bunnell, dan weinman, and kathy bollinger have a business relationship as officers/directors of sonora quest laboratories. John hensing and martin shultz have a business relationship as officers/directors of banner indemnity, ltd. Form 990, part vi, line 11b banner health's senior vice president & chief financial officer is responsible for overseeing the processes for preparing the form 990. The banner health finance department takes the lead role in the process and is charged with the duty to collect the financial and other information needed to complete the form 990. This includes coordinating with other banner health departments, such as the legal, payroll, government relations, licensing, community benefit, compensation and benefits, accounts payable, risk management, certification, credentialing, financial services and treasury departments in order to ensure that the expertise of each department is utilized in the information-gathering process. Once the information is gathered, it is organized and assembled into an organizer that will be used by an outside accounting firm to prepare the form 990. Banner health has audited financial statements prepared annually by an independent certified public accounting firm and uses this same firm to prepare its form 990 because of its expertise in non-profit hospital systems and its specific knowledge of banner health's operations and return complexity. The banner health finance department also employs an internal staff of tax specialists. These tax specialists act as liaisons between the accounting firm and banner health's senior management during this stage of the process. During this stage, the tax preparer reviews the information and works with banner health's internal tax staff to answer questions, gather additional information and address issues that may arise. Once the information-gathering process is complete, a first draft of the form 990 is prepared and readied for review. The review process begins with an initial review done by a committee consisting of banner health's chief financial officer, general counsel, and other management members from the finance and financial services departments and representatives from the outside tax preparer's firm. A line-by-line review of the form 990 is done by this committee. During this review, a list of questions, issues and additional tasks is compiled. This list is then disseminated to the appropriate banner health departments for further action. Once all questions, issues and tasks have been completed, a second review by the committee is done. Again, if applicable, a list of questions, issues and additional tasks is compiled. This list is then disseminated to the appropriate banner health departments for further action. Once this second review process is completed, a final draft of the form 990 is presented to the senior vice president & general counsel and senior vice president & cfo for review and approval prior to sending the form 990 to the board members. Changes to the form 990 are made if necessary and approval is granted to send the form 990 to the board members. Each member of the board is then sent the draft form 990 along with an executive summary of key items reported in the form 990. Any issues are addressed and resolved and the final version of the form 990 is signed by the svp finance/cfo or another officer if required to meet timely filing requirements. The audit committee discusses the 990 process at various times during the year to determine that the process is appropriate.”

“Pursuant to banner's conflict of interest policy, all board members, officers and the director of audit services must disclose the existence of any financial interest that may give rise to a conflict of interest promptly to the board audit committee. The committee must then consider the disclosed interest and either authorize the continuation of the potential financial interest and any related transaction with appropriate protections, or disapprove of it. Other banner employees must go through a similar process of disclosure to their respective supervisor and to the director of audit services, who maintains of all disclosed financial interests/conflicts. In addition, all board members, officers, vice presidents, and other selected members of management, key employees and employed physicians must complete an annual survey that is distributed electronically under the supervision of the director of audit services. The survey includes a questionnaire that is designed to identify actual or potential conflicts of interest, as well as other transactions and relationships required to be disclosed in the form 990 and schedule l. Members of executive management are also required to complete a quarterly questionnaire managed under the supervision of the director of audit services. This questionnaire is primarily designed to identify weaknesses in internal controls or accounting, but also requires disclosure of any knowledge by the responding manager of any violations of banner's conflict of interest policy. The director of audit services compiles a summary of the conflict of interest disclosures obtained through the annual survey process involving board members or officers. This summary is reviewed with banner's general counsel to determine the appropriate action to be taken under conflict of interest policy. In addition, the director reviews the summary annually with the board audit committee in order to ensure that all disclosed actual or potential conflicts have been reviewed and processed appropriately under the conflict of interest policy.”

“Banner health utilizes a compensation committee comprised of independent directors that exercises oversight over all aspects of the compensation paid to or for the benefit of the ceo and all other senior executives of banner health and any of its affiliates and all other persons who constitute "disqualified persons" with respect to banner health under code section 4958. The committee: - assesses annually the performance of the ceo - recommends to the board appropriate compensation for the ceo - reviews and determines the executive total compensation philosophy of banner health - establishes the permissible ranges of compensation for senior executives and disqualified persons - reviews and approves the design of the components of compensation for senior executives and any other disqualified persons and monitors compliance of banner health with the philosophy and design components of executive compensation - receives the ceo's report concerning the overall performance and development assessment of the senior executives - acts for the board in the engagement and direct oversight of external independent compensation consultants engaged to provide advice and information with respect to the reasonableness and competitiveness of the compensation paid to the ceo, senior executives and any other disqualified persons, which consultant reports directly to the committee. In addition, the committee has adopted the following best practices with respect to its executive compensation oversight function: - reviews all incentive plans, benefit plans and programs that apply to employees and physicians - approves the ceo's recommendations as to the compensation of senior executives - uses tally sheets summarizing all components of the ceo's and senior executives' compensation, including a three-year earnings history and the cost of all compensation (including specifically deferred compensation) at the time that any action is taken with respect to the ceo's or senior executives' compensation in order to ensure that the committee is fully informed of the complete compensation package before taking any such action - reviews the annual form 990 disclosures relating to executive compensation to ensure the disclosures accurately reconcile to the compensation packages approved by the committee. As stated, the compensation committee retains an external independent compensation consulting firm to assist the committee. In 2011 the committee engaged a nationally recognized compensation consulting firm with substantial healthcare experience. This firm reviewed and opined as to the reasonableness of the total compensation package of the president/ceo, senior executive management, and other executive management identified by the committee as potential disqualified persons. The committee periodically reviews the relationship between banner health and each consultant to ensure the consultant's independence. In connection with each such evaluation, the committee requests a written certification from each consultant that: - includes an independence attestation affirming that the consultant has conducted its own internal assessment and, based on such assessment and its internal controls, concluded that it has performed its services for the committee in an independent manner and is independent as defined in the intermediate sanction regulations under code section 4958 - confirms that the consultant reports to the committee through the chair of the committee and that all consulting activity for banner health conducted by such consultant during the preceding year was conducted with the knowledge and consent of the chair of the committee - details the amounts paid by banner health to the consultant in its capacity as an external compensation consultant to the committee, and the amounts paid by banner health, if any, to the consultant and its affiliates for any other engagements. With the assistance of the independent compensation consultant, the compensation committee”

“The organization's audited financial statements, conflict of interest policy, and tax returns are available upon request. Copies are maintained at each administrative office and in the legal and tax departments. The organization's governing documents are not required to be made available to the public and therefore they are not made public.”

“Compensation amounts of the five highest paid independent contractors include all payments made to the independent contractors and may include goods/materials because breakdown was not available.”

“At banner health, our volunteers are an important part of our team, and each year thousands of people serve banner and, in turn, serve local community needs. People of all ages, from all walks of life, and with diverse backgrounds and skills choose to give their time to banner. Our volunteers range from teens and adults to seasonal visitors and retirees. The only consistency is that they all have a desire to help and serve others. These compassionate and caring individuals make a positive difference in the lives of patients, staff and guests by providing a personal and compassionate approach to patient and guest service. Volunteers within banner work directly with people and provide behind-the-scenes support to enhance the patient's experience and comfort. Within the various patient care and public areas, volunteers greet guests, provide information and directions, escort patients and families to their destinations, and transport and link visitors to staff and other resources. Volunteers also provide comfort through therapy dog visits, personal visits, and by providing comfort items such as pillows, phone cards, and catering. Finally, other volunteers support staff through administrative projects and assistance - allowing them more time to devote to patient care. Banner health honors the many volunteers who donate numerous hours and countless talents to our organization in furtherance of our exempt purpose. They exemplify our mission in that every day they make a difference in the lives of our patients and community.”

“Banner health (bh) is a non-profit health care system that owns, leases, and operates twenty-five hospitals, nursing homes, physician clinics, home health agencies and ambulatory facilities in seven western states. Headquartered in phoenix, arizona, the comprehensive, integrated services provided by bh include acute care, ambulatory care, long-term care, home health care, hospice and palliative care and durable medical equipment. Bh also provides major, accredited medical education programs that train qualified doctors and participates in national and global research efforts. The non-profit mission of bh is to make a difference in people's lives through excellent patient care and the commitment to clinical excellence has garnered domestic and international recognition. To fulfill this mission and serve its incredibly diverse patient population, bh operates a system of rural and urban facilities that preserve the dignity of each individual regardless of race, creed, sex, age, social status or ability to pay for services rendered. Bh facilities are operated in a cost-effective and financially responsible manner to insure that all who turn to bh receive the excellent patient care they deserve. Fulfillment of the bh mission and exempt purpose is accomplished in part by providing patients financial assistance and charity care, as well as community benefits programs and services (see schedule h). Bh is noted for its community service programs and bh employees work tirelessly and devote significant hours (the majority of which are on bh work time) as volunteers at clinics for the working poor, providing general health and behavioral health screenings and conducting seminars, presentations and educational events. In addition, bh employees routinely serve on local community boards and actively participate in various public service opportunities. Services and programs conducted by bh facilities include but are not limited to: -community health education programs -support groups -self-help programs -community blood drives and health screenings -community wellness clinics and programs -community health fairs -mobile screenings and clinics -subsidized clinics and services -live and web-based and electronic consumer health education and assistance -primary and clinical research with an emphasis on alzheimer's disease and other age related diseases -school-based clinics, education and physical examinations -donated space and conference rooms to community based organizations -donated medical supplies -partnerships with educational institutions to promote healthcare careers -facility and staff involvement in community based organizations -community leadership training and coalition building several new or on-going community benefit activities were noted in 2013. These activities include: community health improvement and support services -grace middlebrook memorial family library, wellness library and mckee wellspring library banner good samaritan medical center, north colorado medical center and mckee medical center offered community members access to books, tapes, videos, journal articles, etc. On health-related topics. In 2013, the grace middlebrook memorial family library served over 11,000 residents. -bh internet - web-based consumer education bh strives to be the leading health care provider in every community it serves and it recognizes the importance of providing health care information, and support. In 2013, bh electronic consumer health information pages and web content were viewed over 660,000 million times. Dedicated staff created content, maintained the website and prepared online, bi-lingual publications for the community valued at approximately $96,000. Included in the content were extensive adult and children's health resource libraries, "ask the expert" which provides access to over 1,000 written and video formats and a diverse offering of online and interactive health calculators. -mission of mercy mobile medical van mission o”

“Banner health is committed to the training of medical residents, nursing students, other students and community members. In 2013, bh supported health profession education with the following programs: -medical education - since 1965, bh has offered graduate medical education at banner good samaritan medical center and hundreds of physicians who have graduated from this program serve our communities. Bh has also been instrumental in educating the colorado physician community. As part of community service, bh provided approximately $21.3 million for the training of future doctors, nurses and therapists, and the continuing education of current health care professionals. The family practice residency at north colorado medical center provides family practice residents with advanced skills to enable them to provide a wide variety of physician services in underserved rural areas. -student nursing education - collaboration with local universities to enhance and provide education and practical training valued in excess of $551,000. -pharmacy education - as part of community service, bh provided approximately $896,000 for the training of future pharmacists. -nursing professional education - nursing education provided on a variety of relevant topics and skill sets including forensic nursing. -ems/paramedics - services provided to local emergency medical personnel and agencies. -simulation training - collaboration with area colleges and emergency response departments to provide simulation exercises in technologically advanced simulation center. -job shadowing and career day presentations- these programs and services valued at $60,273 encouraged healthcare careers through education and observation of daily activities to area youth and others interested in health care careers. -pals & acls - training and certification services valued at approximately $39,000 provided on basic and advanced techniques. -other health provider education - other health care providers, clergy and students were trained on a variety of topics including valued in excess of $53,000. -banner center for health education - collaborated with maricopa community college on various health careers and ways to increase area health professional and nursing shortages. -scholarships - provided support in excess of $2,935,000 for educational opportunities. Subsidized health services banner provides numerous clinical services to meet the needs of bh communities and the uninsured or under-insured. Included in the services provided in 2013 are: -funded discharge program funds in excess of $2,300,000 provided to needy community residents for post discharge care. -the banner good samaritan poison and drug information center the banner good samaritan poison and drug information center (bgspdic) is accredited by the american association of poison control centers (aapcc) and is designated by the state of arizona to provide free 24 hour emergency management of poisonings to residents and health care professionals in maricopa county. Nurses who are specialists in poison information along with poison information providers received over 73,000 calls in 2013 for help with managing poisonings some of which included bites and stings, drug overdoses, children getting into poisons as well as providing poison and drug information. Over 100,000 follow up calls were made on poison exposure calls to determine outcome. Approximately 73% of poison emergencies were managed safely at home by phone eliminating the need for a visit to a physician or the local emergency room. 89% of calls about children were safely managed at home. In addition, the center provides extensive community education on the prevention of poisonings. Bgspdic collaborates with several public health departments in arizona and assists with afterhours disease reporting; assists with surge capacity/overflow of major health issues i.e., food borne illnesses, influenza calls. Poison center staff are actively involved in teaching nursing an”

“In 2013, $1.45 million was devoted to the mental health needs of the community. -ncmc burn clinic the ncmc burn clinic houses the western states burn center and without banner's $10,500 support, multiple western states would be without this coverage. -laura drier breast center each year, thousands of women rely on the laura dreier breast center at banner good samaritan for their annual screening mammograms and bone density studies. The reaching out laura dreier breast health program educates women about the latest breast disease prevention, early detection and treatment information. Through donations to the banner health foundation and partnership with the komen foundation, the reaching out program has provided mammograms and treatment to hundreds of uninsured and underinsured women. In 2013 banner health contributed $367,000 to breast cancer treatment efforts. -women's center the women's center at banner good samaritan medical center takes a unique approach to women's health by combining academic training for obstetrics and gynecology residents with experienced board-certified faculty physicians. In 2013 banner good samaritan provided $857,697 in advanced care for complicated women's health issues as well as routine exams. The women's center is a key resource in central phoenix and is the primary referral site for high-risk and complicated women's medical services. Patients travel from all over arizona to receive inpatient, outpatient and in-office care. Research activities the mission of banner health's research administration is to ensure that research is conducted ethically, safely, and efficiently. Such research reveals new cancer treatments that are more effective and less debilitating than current therapies, vaccines that protect our children and communities from illnesses, "minimally invasive" surgeries that require less recovery time and non-invasive procedures that allow people to avoid surgery all together. Banner supports the physicians and other scientists whose efforts bring real solutions to society's medical problems and promote community health. In 2013, research administration provided the clinical environment with research compliance infrastructure, central irb, and patient population mix for collaboration with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, academic and research institutions, in the identification of disease stage biomarkers, development of diagnostic tools, and pertinent prevention and treatment modalities valued in excess of at $11.0 million. Banner is involved in cutting-edge research aimed at helping patients suffering from some of the most serious diseases and conditions, including spinal cord injuries, alzheimer's disease, cancer, cardiovascular and diabetes/obesity, in collaboration with arizona's state universities, research institutions and industry. Inpatient and outpatient research studies were conducted in cardiology, neurobiology/bioengineering, neurology, ob/gyn, oncology, pediatrics, primary care, psychiatry, pulmonary, surgery, toxicology, and alzheimer's disease at various banner facilities. Financial contributions and in-kind donations banner is committed to assisting financially and through in-kind contributions to individuals and/or the community at large. In 2013 banner health provided the following contributions or in-kind donations to support charity care, health professions education and other community benefit activities: -susan g. Komen for the cure/komen phoenix race for the cure with significant support from bh, the komen phoenix race for the cure is held annually in october. In 2013, funds were again raised to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. Banner health employees, family members and friends raised more than $2,100 by participating in the annual komen phoenix race for the cure, an effort led by facility leaders and team captains who helped plan and promote banner's participation in the race”

“Financial, in-kind or volunteer donations from bh in 2013: -alaska academy of physician assistants -alaska children's trust -alaska safety advisory council -alaska state medical association - physician health committee -alternatives to violence -alzheimer's association -american cancer society heart walk -american cancer society go red -american cancer society relay for life -american diabetes association -american heart association -american liver foundation -american lung association -american red cross -aqp publishing ft. Wainwright guide -arizona chapter american college of surgeons -arizona nurses foundation -arizona perinatal trust -arizona school nurses consortium -arizona state university -arthritis foundation -beatitudes campus -better together -big brothers big sisters bowl -big horn county fair board -biz west media -blakes miracle -boy scouts of america -boys & girls club larimer county -boys and girls club -centennial ahec -center for personalized education for physicians -children's action alliance -children's cancer network -city of surprise -cnf nightingale -colorado physicians health program -community kitchen -cpep -cystic fibrosis foundation -dare -davis phinney foundation -dda -disabled resource center -downtown association golden heart service patrol -drug education journal -east morgan county foundation -end alzheimer's walk -fairbanks counseling and adoption -festival of trees -forget me not mission -friends of woman -gannett healthcare group -greely transitional -honor flight northern colorado -house of neighborly services -junior diabetes research foundation desert sw chapter -lhpac -longs peak council -longs peak council boy scouts of america -loveland habitat for humanity -loveland rotary -lubick foundation -make a wish -march of dimes -march of dimes nurse of the year banquet -mcc foundation -mckee foundation -meals on wheels -mental health guild -mha -midnight sun intertribal -midwestern university college -national multiple sclerosis society -ncmc foundation -new life society -north star imagination library -not my kid -ogallala relay for life -pastels on 5th -philippine typhoon relief -philo club -project self sufficiency -prom-a-rama -race for life -rally for the cure -rcpc kids fundraiser -relay for life -respite care -retreat refresh stroke camp -ronald mcdonald house -saint -sandhills crisis intervention -sedgwick county memorial hospital -sober grad -sun health foundation -sunrise community health center -surprise regional chamber -susanville express -tanana chiefs conference rural providers -todd seek ems memorial -torrington dare -torrington shrine club -townssquare media -tri ogallala triathlon -uaf tech fest -university of alaska - fairbanks school of management arctic innovation -university of alaska - fairbanks school of nursing -united way -united way of larimer county -united way of weld county -university of northern colorado -upstate colorado economic development -washakie jr livestock auction -wheelchair suns -woman to woman -women of distinction -wounded warrior -wyoming state bar-b-que4-h”

“As a good corporate citizen and partner, banner is involved in a number of activities designed to promote community health and address community needs including community health improvement advocacy, housing, economic development, coalition building, community health advocacy, leadership development, workforce development and enhancement, and disaster preparedness. Bh employees are encouraged to and recognized for service and participation on community boards and task forces and banner frequently provides facility usage to community non-profits. These activities are not included elsewhere on schedule h. The following are but a few ways in which banner promotes, protects or improves community health and safety: -economic and leadership development banner equips its leaders to serve and support the communities it serves and supports the development of these same communities. In an effort to provide leadership, analyze community needs and support business expansion bh is a member and/or event sponsor for: -alaska chamber of commerce -banner federal credit union -chandler chamber of commerce -city of loveland -downtown association fairbanks -fairbanks convention & visitors bureau -fairbanks economic development -golden heart rotary -greater phoenix economic council -loveland chamber of commerce -loveland rotary -northern colorado economic development -planned parenthood of the great northwest -raven's landing board of directors -rotary club of fairbanks -torrington rotary -university of alaska foundation -westmarc -women's inc. -worland chamber of commerce community support and coalition building banner's supports and partners with numerous community agencies in support of community initiatives. Bh is also represented at various events and coalitions designed to enhance community health. Banner supported teen health education and safety through donations to club and team events, expanded appreciation of the arts and increased cultural and environmental awareness for local residents by support to various community organizations. Examples of these partnerships include: -akmgma -alaska girls and women hockey team -alaska peace officers association -alaska shriners -alaska youth volleyball -america youth football and cheer -aqp -arctic lions hockey association -berthoud high school -big horn county fair -boxes for troops -boys and girls club -brush rodeo association -calypso family tour de plants bike tour -catholic schools of fairbanks -ceo committee volunteers -churchill county fair association -clear channel radio -daily news miner newspapers in education -dance theatre fairbanks -eclipse soccer club -eielson youth sports -equinox marathon -fairbanks amateur hockey association -fairbanks counseling and adoption -fairbanks cross country nordic ski club -fairbanks cycle club -fairbanks drama association -fairbanks drama association children's theater -fairbanks law enforcement adventure team -fairbanks rescue mission -fairbanks resource agency -fairbanks summer arts festival -fairbanks trap club -fairbanks volleyball association -fairbanks women's basketball association -fairbanks women's hockey association -fallon festival association -far north fiddle festival -far north jumpers -farthest north girl scouts council -fnsb school district -go winter expo -golden heart softball -governor's art show -greely independence stampede -guys read gals read united -habitat for humanity -iaaalb american legion baseball -immaculate heart -interior youth basketball -klondike international road relay race -kuac alaska one -kuac story corps -lassen county arts council -lassen county fair -lassen high athletics -lassen land and trails trust -literacy council -little britches rodeo -logan county fair -midnight sun council boy scouts -midnight sun swim team -midnight sun swim team sponsor for travel -monroe foundation hipow -northern alaska hockey association -northern alaska hockey association -northern lights academy -northland youth choir -ogallala”

“Realizing the importance of the environment on healing, banner supports efforts to better the living conditions of those in the communities it serves. In 2013, banner contributed $53,000 theses efforts. -work enhancement bh actively recruited physicians to serve in federal medically underserved areas. In 2013, approximately $1,700,000 was invested to enhance community workforce. -disaster preparedness in 2013, bh provided disaster training and education valued at approximately $10,000 community residents and first responders. These activities included evacuation and decontamination training, bomb threats, emergency disaster drills, community decontamination efforts, natural disaster planning, emergency management incident command, and mass casualty exercises - all aimed at improving safety awareness for residents. -holiday helper working as teams, bh departments pooled resources to provide food, clothing and gifts for needy families and children during the holiday season. -clothing and food drives employees around the system unite to assist those in the community less fortunate than themselves. Of particular note are the annual coat drive held at banner lassen medical center, food drive to support the churchill county social services coordinated by banner churchill community hospital, and food donations to bone builders, festival fairbanks and the hutchinson scholarship fund by fairbanks memorial. -united blood services bh partnered with ubs to provide community blood drives to support local blood shortages. Employees coordinated the drives and managed donation sites during work hours. In 2013, numerous hours were donated to this endeavor. -space usage bh facilities provided meeting room, electronic teleconference technology and other space for various community groups. Without these generous in-kind donations, these organizations would be required to expend funds, funds needed in support of their missions for space rental. -marc center and centers for habilitation banner health has teamed up with two other nonprofits to provide training for people with disabilities. In 2013, banner continued to partner with the marc center of mesa and the centers for habilitation in operation of the blue ribbon bistro at banner corporate mesa to offer food-service jobs and training to people with disabilities.”

“Intercompany transfers $(106,209,176) restricted contributions $37,759,636 distributions to minority equity $1,247,610 equity transfers on mergers $10,309,826 other $2,645,368 ------------- total $(54,246,736) =============”