A nonprofit regional hospital has experienced declining oper…

A nоnprоfit regiоnаl hospitаl hаs experienced declining operating margins for three years. Emergency-department demand is increasing, patient satisfaction has fallen, nursing vacancies are high, and community data indicate rapid growth in an older low-income population. A competing health system recently opened an outpatient facility nearby. The CEO proposes building a premium orthopedic center because projected reimbursement is attractive. The board argues that the proposal already constitutes a strategic objective because it identifies a specific service line. Department leaders respond that the hospital should first determine whether the proposed center addresses its most important strategic gaps.Which action provides the strongest next step?