Cleveland-based University Hospitals has retired an additional 400 policies in the year since it cut 2,812 systemwide policies.
The reductions came through a structured review process that aimed to eliminate duplication, improve clarity and keep policies useful for front-line caregivers, Khaliah Fisher-Grace, PhD, RN, director of system policy, quality improvement and operations, shared in a statement to Becker’s.
The retired policies reflect changes in standards of care, regulation and services offered, along with opportunities to combine documents, Dr. Fisher-Grace said. Those included some COVID-19, hospital at home, 340B and behavioral health documents.
“At University Hospitals, policy optimization is not a one-time project but an ongoing governance strategy,” Dr. Fisher-Grace said.
The system is also employing emerging technologies and automation in policy management, including tools that flag redundant content and support efficient maintenance, she said.
“By reducing complexity and improving access to guidance, we are helping caregivers spend less time navigating policies and more time focused on delivering exceptional patient care,” Dr. Fisher-Grace said.
University Hospitals began auditing thousands of systemwide policies about five years ago to reduce administrative burden and inconsistencies in clinical guidance. As of July 2025, it had retired 2,812 policies it described as duplicative, burdensome or both, and Dr. Fisher-Grace said at the time that the effort had saved the 21-hospital system about $1.2 million.
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