The buck stops here.

Abstract

As Allegheny Health, Education and Research Foundation muddles through its high-profile bankruptcy reorganization, the spotlight of public scrutiny is now shining brightly on the system's board members, who were supposed to act as guardians of the not-for-profit system. "When things fall apart, the board members usually take the heat," says one governance expert. "And they should take the heat, since they are the final buffer."