Which agency focuses on the quality, safety, and effectiveness of health care?

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and effectiveness of healthcare. It conducts and funds research that provides evidence-based information to help healthcare providers, decision-makers, and patients make informed choices regarding health care practices. AHRQ focuses on areas such as improving health care delivery, reducing medical errors, and ensuring that healthcare services are more efficient and effective.

Other agencies, while related to aspects of healthcare, do not primarily focus on overall health care quality and safety in the same way. For instance, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) focuses on ensuring workplace safety and health standards. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) primarily regulates the safety of food, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices rather than broad healthcare quality. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administers these programs but is more focused on reimbursement and coverage rather than directly conducting research aimed at improving healthcare quality and safety. Thus, AHRQ is specifically designed to address healthcare quality and safety through research and application of findings.