Quality health care is a nationally recognized issue that is addressed through public policies, licensure, and accreditation standards for health care professionals and organizations. Numerous organizations have been involved in developing health care quality and safety initiatives throughout history.

Quality and safety indicators for various health care systems have been developed by the Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These indicators seek to establish accountability for health care organizations through a public reporting system. Investigate various accrediting organizations and specific quality measures for this Discussion. Consider how these quality measures affect quality outcomes, support ethical principles, and influence clinical service delivery in your research on accrediting organizations.

To get ready:

Compare one specific quality indicator from the Week 2 Discussion to those outlined in this week’s Learning Resources.
Examine the accrediting body standards that apply to your organization, paying special attention to those that require your organization to define its quality management program.
Consider state or national regulatory requirements that affect quality outcomes in your organization.
Consider how the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) reduced reimbursements affect quality management or improvement efforts at your organization. What impact do these standards and regulations have on ethical principles, patient care, and nursing practice?