WHAT IS AHRQ?
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is the nation’s lead federal agency charged with improving the quality and safety of health care. Dr. Carolyn M. Clancy, who was appointed in 2003, heads the agency’s staff of 300. Ten years ago, “To Err is Human,” a landmark report produced by the Institute of Medicine designated AHRQ as the logical agency to oversee patient safety activities, including strategic planning, convening, tracking and research. AHRQ produces world-class research, but the agency has not been the “social change agent” envisioned by “To Err is Human.” Patient Safety Funding The 1999 “To Err is Human” report urged Congress to budget $30 million that should grow over time to $100 million for patient safety activities within the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality including research and funding for a patient safety center. Here’s a look at the patient safety budget within AHRQ, as well as health information technology spending.
