The Massachusetts Hospital Association was founded in 1936, and its members include more than 100 Massachusetts hospitals and health system members, as well as interested individuals and other healthcare stakeholders.

As the primary representative of the hospital community in Massachusetts, MHA plays a central role in influencing the public policy environment. Grounded in the principle that caring for people is the primary mission of its member hospitals and health systems, MHA seeks to promote responsible public policy, encourage public accountability, and foster an appropriate balance between those who provide and those who pay for healthcare services.

Continuing professional education is a cornerstone of MHA's service to its members and other health professionals. The primary goal of MHA's Center for Education and Professional Development is to support healthcare leaders in innovation and change in a complex and challenging environment.

The subject matter for MHA educational programming includes broad and “visionary” offerings, such as ethical and economic challenges facing healthcare leaders, the evolving relationships between hospitals and physicians, and trends in elder care. It also includes a wide variety of specific, “need to know” sessions on issues such as healthcare accreditation, trends in labor relations, and the status of Medicare risk products in the state.

MHA's Center for Education and Professional Development has pre-approved accreditation status for continuing education units with the American College of Health Care Executives and the American Medical Association.

MHA's Center for Education and Professional Development is dedicated to enhancing the competency and qualifications of the New England healthcare community by providing continuing education, products, and services of the highest value and greatest relevance. MHA's programs will stimulate critical thinking, while offering essential knowledge and skills.