Can financial statement users of not-for-profit hospitals’ financial statements expect to be fully informed regarding affiliated parties, such as the linkage between St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, ALSAC, and the foundation cited?

To determine whether financial statement users of not-for-profit hospitals can expect to be fully informed regarding affiliated parties, such as the linkage between St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, ALSAC, and the foundation cited, you would need to review the financial statements and related disclosures of these organizations. Here's how you can gather the necessary information:

1. Obtain the financial statements: Visit the websites of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, ALSAC (the fundraising organization for St. Jude), and the foundation cited (if applicable). Look for sections such as "Investor Relations" or "Financials" where you can find their annual reports or audited financial statements.

2. Review the financial statements: Once you have the financial statements, examine the notes to the financial statements which provide detailed information and disclosures. Look specifically for parts related to related party transactions or affiliations. These sections often disclose significant relationships between the organization and its affiliated parties.

3. Analyze the related party disclosures: Pay attention to any disclosures related to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, ALSAC, and the foundation cited. The financial statements should provide information on any financial transactions or relationships between these entities. These disclosures should shed light on any substantial affiliations or financial linkages.

4. Read the footnotes: Go through the footnotes carefully as they may contain additional relevant information. Look for disclosures related to the organization's control or influence over affiliated parties, any financial support provided, or any potential conflicts of interest.

5. Check supplementary materials: Some organizations may provide supplementary reports or documents, such as annual reports or impact reports, which may offer a more comprehensive view of the affiliations and relationships between entities.

It is important to note that not-for-profit hospitals are generally required to disclose significant affiliations or related party transactions as part of their financial reporting obligations. However, the degree of information provided may vary between organizations, and some details could be withheld due to confidentiality or legal considerations. By following these steps, you will be better equipped to assess the extent to which financial statement users can expect to be fully informed about the affiliations mentioned.