Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|United States government agency}}
{{Organization
|OrganizationName=Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
|OrganizationType=Independent Agencies
|Mission=To produce evidence to make health care safer, higher quality, more accessible, equitable, and affordable. AHRQ works within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to ensure this evidence is understood and used to improve health care.
|ParentOrganization=Department of Health and Human Services
|TopOrganization=Department of Health and Human Services
|CreationLegislation=Healthcare Research and Quality Act of 1999
|Employees=300
|Budget=$440 million (FY 2015)
|OrganizationExecutive=Director
|Services=Health services research; Evidence-based practice; Quality improvement; Patient safety; Health IT
|HeadquartersLocation=39.062, -77.11209
|HeadquartersAddress=5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857
|Website=https://www.ahrq.gov/
}}
{{Infobox government agency
{{Infobox government agency
|agency_name    = Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
|agency_name    = Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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|headquarters    = 5600 Fishers Lane, [[Rockville, Maryland|Rockville]], [[Maryland (U.S. state)|Maryland]]
|headquarters    = 5600 Fishers Lane, [[Rockville, Maryland|Rockville]], [[Maryland (U.S. state)|Maryland]]
|employees      = 1,996
|employees      = 1,996
|budget          = [[United States dollar|US$]]10.5 billion (2016)
|budget          = US$10.5 billion (2016)
|minister1_name  =
|minister1_name  =
|minister1_pfo  =
|minister1_pfo  =
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|chief3_name=|chief3_position=|chief4_name=|chief4_position=|chief5_name=|chief5_position=|chief6_name=|chief6_position=|chief7_name=|chief7_position=|chief8_name=|chief8_position=|chief9_name=|chief9_position=}}
|chief3_name=|chief3_position=|chief4_name=|chief4_position=|chief5_name=|chief5_position=|chief6_name=|chief6_position=|chief7_name=|chief7_position=|chief8_name=|chief8_position=|chief9_name=|chief9_position=}}


The '''Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality'''<ref>{{cite web|title=Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality home page|publisher=[[United States Department of Health and Human Services]]|url=http://www.ahrq.gov}}</ref> ('''AHRQ'''; pronounced "ark" by initiates and often "A-H-R-Q" by the public) is one of twelve agencies within the [[United States Department of Health and Human Services]] (HHS).<ref name="99a">{{cite web|title=Healthcare Research and Quality Act of 1999|url=http://www.ahrq.gov/policymakers/hrqa99a.html|website=Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality|publisher=[[United States Department of Health and Human Services]]}}</ref> The agency is headquartered in [[North Bethesda, Maryland|North Bethesda]], [[Maryland (U.S. state)|Maryland]], a suburb of [[Washington, D.C.]] (with a [[Rockville, Maryland|Rockville]] mailing address). It was established as the '''Agency for Health Care Policy and Research''' (AHCPR) in 1989 as a constituent unit of the [[United States Public Health Service|Public Health Service]] (PHS) to enhance the [[health care quality|quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of health care services]] and access to care by conducting and supporting research, demonstration projects, and evaluations; developing guidelines; and disseminating information on health care services and delivery systems.
The '''Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality'''<ref>{{cite web|title=Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality home page|publisher=[[United States Department of Health and Human Services]]|url=http://www.ahrq.gov}}</ref> ('''AHRQ'''; pronounced "ark" by initiates and often "A-H-R-Q" by the public) is one of twelve agencies within the [[United States Department of Health and Human Services]] (HHS).<ref name="99a">{{cite web|title=Healthcare Research and Quality Act of 1999|url=http://www.ahrq.gov/policymakers/hrqa99a.html|website=Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality|publisher=[[United States Department of Health and Human Services]]}}</ref> The agency is headquartered in North Bethesda, Maryland, a suburb of [[Washington, D.C.]] (with a Rockville mailing address).  
 
It was established as the '''Agency for Health Care Policy and Research''' (AHCPR) in 1989 as a constituent unit of the [[United States Public Health Service|Public Health Service]] (PHS) to enhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of health care services and access to care by conducting and supporting research, demonstration projects, and evaluations; developing guidelines; and disseminating information on health care services and delivery systems.


==History==
==History==
AHRQ's earliest predecessor was the '''National Center for Health Services Research and Development''', established in 1968 within the PHS [[Health Services and Mental Health Administration]] (HSMHA) during the [[U.S. Public Health Service reorganizations of 1966–1973|1966–1973 PHS reorganizations]].<ref name=":0" />  It was established largely through the efforts of members of the [[National Institutes of Health|NIH]] [[Center for Scientific Review|Division of Research Grants]] Health Services Study Section.<ref name=":1" />  The new center quickly absorbed the PHS Division of Chronic Diseases,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=1998-03-12 |title=History of Health Services Research ProjectInterview with Kerr White |url=https://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/nichsr/white.html |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=U.S. National Library of Medicine}}</ref><ref name=":163">{{Federal Register|33|9909}}</ref> which dated back to 1949,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2016-08-15 |title=Records of the Public Health Service [PHS], 1912-1968 |url=https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/090.html |access-date=2020-08-28 |website=National Archives |at=Sections 90.7, 90.8 |language=en}}</ref> in order to access the latter's larger budget.<ref name=":1" />
AHRQ's earliest predecessor was the '''National Center for Health Services Research and Development''', established in 1968 within the PHS Health Services and Mental Health Administration (HSMHA) during the 1966–1973 PHS reorganizations.<ref name=":0" />  It was established largely through the efforts of members of the [[National Institutes of Health|NIH]] [[Center for Scientific Review|Division of Research Grants]] Health Services Study Section.<ref name=":1" />  The new center quickly absorbed the PHS Division of Chronic Diseases,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=1998-03-12 |title=History of Health Services Research ProjectInterview with Kerr White |url=https://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/nichsr/white.html |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=U.S. National Library of Medicine}}</ref><ref name=":163">{{Federal Register|33|9909}}</ref> which dated back to 1949,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2016-08-15 |title=Records of the Public Health Service [PHS], 1912-1968 |url=https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/090.html |access-date=2020-08-28 |website=National Archives |at=Sections 90.7, 90.8 |language=en}}</ref> in order to access the latter's larger budget.<ref name=":1" />


When HSMHA was split up in 1973, the center moved into the PHS [[Health Resources and Services Administration#History|Health Resources Administration]].  It was renamed the '''Bureau of Health Services Research''' that year, and then the '''National Center for Health Services Research''' in 1975.  In 1978 it was transferred to the [[Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health]].  In 1985 it was renamed the '''National Center for Health Services Research and Health Care Technology Assessment'''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2016-08-15|title=Records of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research|url=https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/510.html|access-date=2020-08-29|website=National Archives|language=en}}</ref>
When HSMHA was split up in 1973, the center moved into the PHS [[Health Resources and Services Administration#History|Health Resources Administration]].  It was renamed the '''Bureau of Health Services Research''' that year, and then the '''National Center for Health Services Research''' in 1975.  In 1978 it was transferred to the [[Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health]].  In 1985 it was renamed the '''National Center for Health Services Research and Health Care Technology Assessment'''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2016-08-15|title=Records of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research|url=https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/510.html|access-date=2020-08-29|website=National Archives|language=en}}</ref>


In 1989, the agency became its own operating agency within PHS, and was renamed '''Agency for Health Care Policy and Research''' (AHCPR)<ref name=":0" /> by the [[Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989]] ({{USStat|103|2159}}).
In 1989, the agency became its own operating agency within PHS, and was renamed '''Agency for Health Care Policy and Research''' (AHCPR)<ref name=":0" /> by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989 ({{USStat|103|2159}}).


However, AHCPR became controversial when it produced several guidelines that some thought would reduce medical drugs and procedures. This included concern from [[Ophthalmology|ophthalmologists]] on a cataract guideline and concern by the pharmaceutical industry over a reduction in the use of new drugs. When the agency produced a guideline that concluded that back pain surgery was unnecessary and potentially harmful, a lobbying campaign aided by Congressmen whose backs had been operated on changed the name of the agency and scaled back the guidelines program, which existed as the [[National Guideline Clearinghouse]].<ref>Avorn J. ''Powerful Medicines: The Benefits, Risks, and Costs of Prescription Drugs'', pp. 277–288. Random House.</ref> until it was defunded in 2018.
However, AHCPR became controversial when it produced several guidelines that some thought would reduce medical drugs and procedures. This included concern from ophthalmologists on a cataract guideline and concern by the pharmaceutical industry over a reduction in the use of new drugs. When the agency produced a guideline that concluded that back pain surgery was unnecessary and potentially harmful, a lobbying campaign aided by Congressmen whose backs had been operated on changed the name of the agency and scaled back the guidelines program, which existed as the National Guideline Clearinghouse.<ref>Avorn J. ''Powerful Medicines: The Benefits, Risks, and Costs of Prescription Drugs'', pp. 277–288. Random House.</ref> until it was defunded in 2018.


AHCPR was reauthorized December 6, 1999, as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) under the [[Healthcare Research and Quality Act of 1999]],<ref name="99a" /> which amended Title IX of the [[Public Health Service Act]] (42 U.S.C. 299 et seq).
AHCPR was reauthorized December 6, 1999, as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) under the [[Healthcare Research and Quality Act of 1999]],<ref name="99a" /> which amended Title IX of the [[Public Health Service Act]] (42 U.S.C. 299 et seq).
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In July 2018, the [[National Guideline Clearinghouse]] (NGC) and the National Quality Measures Clearinghouse (NQMC),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/quality-patient-safety/talkingquality/resources/initiatives/nqmc.html|title=National Quality Measures Clearinghouse (NQMC)|website=Ahrq.gov|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916022846/https://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/quality-patient-safety/talkingquality/resources/initiatives/nqmc.html|archive-date=16 September 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> two longtime online resources from the AHRQ, were shut down because federal funding ceased to be available to them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20180627guidelineclearinghouse.html|title=AHRQ: National Guideline Clearinghouse to Shut Down July 16|website=Aafp.org|access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/hhs-eliminates-20-years-evidence-based-medical-guidelines|title=HHS eliminates 20 years of evidence-based medical guidelines|date=12 July 2018|website=Healthcareitnews.com|access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.healthdatamanagement.com/news/federal-clinical-guidance-database-to-shut-down-because-of-funding-cuts|title=Federal clinical guidance database to shut down because of funding cuts|website=Healthdatamanagement.com|access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.healthdatamanagement.com/news/hit-programs-at-risk-as-ahrq-faces-elimination|title=HIT programs at risk as AHRQ faces elimination|website=Healthdatamanagement.com|access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref> Other stakeholders were exploring options for hosting the NGC <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/generalprofessionalissues/74153|title=AHRQ Shutters Guideline Site, But ECRI to Carry the Torch|date=20 July 2018|website=Medpagetoday.com|access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref>]; should that happen, it will return to the web.
In July 2018, the [[National Guideline Clearinghouse]] (NGC) and the National Quality Measures Clearinghouse (NQMC),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/quality-patient-safety/talkingquality/resources/initiatives/nqmc.html|title=National Quality Measures Clearinghouse (NQMC)|website=Ahrq.gov|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916022846/https://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/quality-patient-safety/talkingquality/resources/initiatives/nqmc.html|archive-date=16 September 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> two longtime online resources from the AHRQ, were shut down because federal funding ceased to be available to them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20180627guidelineclearinghouse.html|title=AHRQ: National Guideline Clearinghouse to Shut Down July 16|website=Aafp.org|access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/hhs-eliminates-20-years-evidence-based-medical-guidelines|title=HHS eliminates 20 years of evidence-based medical guidelines|date=12 July 2018|website=Healthcareitnews.com|access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.healthdatamanagement.com/news/federal-clinical-guidance-database-to-shut-down-because-of-funding-cuts|title=Federal clinical guidance database to shut down because of funding cuts|website=Healthdatamanagement.com|access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.healthdatamanagement.com/news/hit-programs-at-risk-as-ahrq-faces-elimination|title=HIT programs at risk as AHRQ faces elimination|website=Healthdatamanagement.com|access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref> Other stakeholders were exploring options for hosting the NGC <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/generalprofessionalissues/74153|title=AHRQ Shutters Guideline Site, But ECRI to Carry the Torch|date=20 July 2018|website=Medpagetoday.com|access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref>]; should that happen, it will return to the web.


==Leadership==
==Divisions==
[[Carolyn Clancy]] was the director from 2002 to 2014. [[Richard Kronick]] was director from 2013 to March 2016. Sharon Arnold was acting director from February to April 2016, replacing Richard Kronick in February 2016. Andrew Bindman was the director of AHRQ from April 2016 until January 2017. Prior to joining AHRQ, Bindman served as faculty of [[UCSF School of Medicine]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://healthpolicy.ucsf.edu/people/andrew-bindman-md |title=Andrew Bindman, MD &#124; Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies |access-date=2016-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630130847/http://healthpolicy.ucsf.edu/people/andrew-bindman-md |archive-date=2016-06-30 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Gopal Khanna]] was appointed as Agency director on May 9, 2017, and resigned on January 11, 2021, in response to the [[2021 United States Capitol attack|January 6 Capitol riot]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schneider |first1=James |title=AHRQ director Gopal Khanna resigns in response to Capitol riot |url=https://fynefettle.com/ahrq-director-gopal-khanna-resigns-in-response-to-capitol-riot/ |website=Fyne Fettle |access-date=7 July 2021 |date=12 January 2021}}</ref>  Following Khanna's resignation, deputy director David Meyers served as acting director from 2021 to 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=David Meyers, M.D. Bio |url=https://www.ahrq.gov/cpi/centers/od/meyers-bio.html |website=www.ahrq.gov |access-date=7 July 2021 |language=en-us}}</ref> [[Robert Otto Valdez]] was appointed director on February 27, 2022.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=AHRQNews|number=1498049556445118466|author=Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality|title=Bob Valdez, Ph.D., has been appointed as #AHRQ's Director effective today|access-date=2022-02-28}}</ref>
The Agency has multiple offices and centers including the  
 
{| class=wikitable style="text-align:center"
|-
!Portrait
!Director
!Term started
!Term ended
|-
|[[File:Gopal-khanna.png|100px]]
|[[Gopal Khanna]]
|May 9, 2017
|January 11, 2021
|-
|[[File:David Meyers.jpg|100px]]
|[[David Meyers (AHRQ)|David Meyers]] (acting)
|January 2021
|February 2022
|-
|[[File:Robert Otto Valdez, AHRQ Director official.jpg|100px]]
|[[Robert Otto Valdez]]
|February 27, 2022
|Present
|-
|}


==Divisions==
* [[Center for Evidence and Practice Improvement]] (CEPI)
The Agency has multiple offices and centers including the Center for Evidence and Practice Improvement (CEPI), the Center for Financing, Access and Trends, the Center for Delivery, Organization and Markets, the Center for Quality and Patient Safety, the Office of Management Services, the Office of Extramural Research and Priority Populations, and the Office of Communications. The Office of Communications was previously known as the Office of Communications and Knowledge Transfer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/04/15/2016-08679/statement-of-organization-functions-and-delegations-of-authority|title=Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority|date=15 April 2016|website=federalregister.gov}}</ref>
* [[Center for Financing, Access and Trends]]
* [[Center for Delivery, Organization and Markets]]
* [[Center for Quality and Patient Safety]]
* [[Office of Management Services]]
* [[Office of Extramural Research and Priority Populations]]
* [[Office of Communications (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)|Office of Communications]] - previously known as the Office of Communications and Knowledge Transfer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/04/15/2016-08679/statement-of-organization-functions-and-delegations-of-authority|title=Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority|date=15 April 2016|website=federalregister.gov}}</ref>


Within CEPI, the Evidence-Based Practice Centers<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/who-is-involved-in-the-effective-health-care-program1/about-evidence-based-practice-centers-epcs/ |title=About Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs) &#124; AHRQ Effective Health Care Program |access-date=2016-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523035335/http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/who-is-involved-in-the-effective-health-care-program1/about-evidence-based-practice-centers-epcs/ |archive-date=2016-05-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref> (EPCs) develop evidence reports and technology assessments on topics relevant to clinical and other health care organization and delivery issues—specifically those that are common, expensive, and/or significant for the Medicare and Medicaid populations. With this program, AHRQ serves as a "science partner" with private and public organizations in their efforts to improve the quality, effectiveness, and appropriateness of health care by synthesizing the evidence and facilitating the translation of evidence-based research findings. Topics are nominated by Federal and non-Federal partners such as professional societies, health plans, insurers, employers, and patient groups.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/evidence-based-reports/overview/index.html|title=Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPC) Program Overview|publisher=Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality|access-date=29 April 2016}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>
Within CEPI, the [[Evidence-Based Practice Centers]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/who-is-involved-in-the-effective-health-care-program1/about-evidence-based-practice-centers-epcs/ |title=About Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs) &#124; AHRQ Effective Health Care Program |access-date=2016-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523035335/http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/who-is-involved-in-the-effective-health-care-program1/about-evidence-based-practice-centers-epcs/ |archive-date=2016-05-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref> (EPCs) develop evidence reports and technology assessments on topics relevant to clinical and other health care organization and delivery issues—specifically those that are common, expensive, and/or significant for the Medicare and Medicaid populations. With this program, AHRQ serves as a "science partner" with private and public organizations in their efforts to improve the quality, effectiveness, and appropriateness of health care by synthesizing the evidence and facilitating the translation of evidence-based research findings. Topics are nominated by Federal and non-Federal partners such as professional societies, health plans, insurers, employers, and patient groups.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/evidence-based-reports/overview/index.html|title=Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPC) Program Overview|publisher=Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality|access-date=29 April 2016}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 15:01, 21 February 2025

Stored: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Type: Independent Agencies
Parent organization: Department of Health and Human Services
Top organization: Department of Health and Human Services
Employees: 300
Executive: Director
Budget: $440 million (FY 2015)
Address: 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857
Website: https://www.ahrq.gov/
Creation Legislation: Healthcare Research and Quality Act of 1999
Wikipedia: Agency for Healthcare Research and QualityWikipedia Logo.png
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)
Mission
To produce evidence to make health care safer, higher quality, more accessible, equitable, and affordable. AHRQ works within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to ensure this evidence is understood and used to improve health care.
Services

Health services research; Evidence-based practice; Quality improvement; Patient safety; Health IT

Regulations
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
File:Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Logo.png
AHRQ Logo
Agency Overview
Formed 1989; 36 years ago (1989)
Preceding agencies National Center for Health Services Research and Development (1968–1973)
Bureau of Health Services Research (1973–1975)
National Center for Health Services Research (1975–1985)
National Center for Health Services Research and Health Care Technology Assessment (1985–1989)
Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (1989–1999)
Jurisdiction Federal government of the United States
Headquarters 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland
Employees 1,996
Annual budget US$10.5 billion (2016)
Agency Executives Robert Otto Valdez, Director
Dr. David Meyers, Deputy Director
Parent department United States Department of Health and Human Services
Parent agency United States Public Health Service
Website
www.ahrq.gov

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality[1] (AHRQ; pronounced "ark" by initiates and often "A-H-R-Q" by the public) is one of twelve agencies within the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).[2] The agency is headquartered in North Bethesda, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C. (with a Rockville mailing address).

It was established as the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) in 1989 as a constituent unit of the Public Health Service (PHS) to enhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of health care services and access to care by conducting and supporting research, demonstration projects, and evaluations; developing guidelines; and disseminating information on health care services and delivery systems.

History

AHRQ's earliest predecessor was the National Center for Health Services Research and Development, established in 1968 within the PHS Health Services and Mental Health Administration (HSMHA) during the 1966–1973 PHS reorganizations.[3] It was established largely through the efforts of members of the NIH Division of Research Grants Health Services Study Section.[4] The new center quickly absorbed the PHS Division of Chronic Diseases,[4][5] which dated back to 1949,[6] in order to access the latter's larger budget.[4]

When HSMHA was split up in 1973, the center moved into the PHS Health Resources Administration. It was renamed the Bureau of Health Services Research that year, and then the National Center for Health Services Research in 1975. In 1978 it was transferred to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health. In 1985 it was renamed the National Center for Health Services Research and Health Care Technology Assessment.[3]

In 1989, the agency became its own operating agency within PHS, and was renamed Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR)[3] by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989 (103 Stat. 2159).

However, AHCPR became controversial when it produced several guidelines that some thought would reduce medical drugs and procedures. This included concern from ophthalmologists on a cataract guideline and concern by the pharmaceutical industry over a reduction in the use of new drugs. When the agency produced a guideline that concluded that back pain surgery was unnecessary and potentially harmful, a lobbying campaign aided by Congressmen whose backs had been operated on changed the name of the agency and scaled back the guidelines program, which existed as the National Guideline Clearinghouse.[7] until it was defunded in 2018.

AHCPR was reauthorized December 6, 1999, as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) under the Healthcare Research and Quality Act of 1999,[2] which amended Title IX of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 299 et seq).

Funding

File:5600 Fishers Lane 2020c.jpg
AHRQ headquarters at 5600 Fishers Lane in Rockville, Maryland

The 2015 budget for AHRQ was US$440 million,[8] $24 million less than FY 2014. The budget includes $334 million in Public Health Service (PHS) Evaluation Funds, a decrease of $30 million from FY 2014, and $106 million from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Fund, an increase of $13 million above FY 2014.

The FY 2015 budget is intended to ensure the Agency continues its progress on health services research to improve outcomes, affordability, and quality. The budget also supports the collection of information on health care spending and use through the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) and Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).

In July 2018, the National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) and the National Quality Measures Clearinghouse (NQMC),[9] two longtime online resources from the AHRQ, were shut down because federal funding ceased to be available to them.[10][11][12][13] Other stakeholders were exploring options for hosting the NGC [14]]; should that happen, it will return to the web.

Divisions

The Agency has multiple offices and centers including the

Within CEPI, the Evidence-Based Practice Centers[16] (EPCs) develop evidence reports and technology assessments on topics relevant to clinical and other health care organization and delivery issues—specifically those that are common, expensive, and/or significant for the Medicare and Medicaid populations. With this program, AHRQ serves as a "science partner" with private and public organizations in their efforts to improve the quality, effectiveness, and appropriateness of health care by synthesizing the evidence and facilitating the translation of evidence-based research findings. Topics are nominated by Federal and non-Federal partners such as professional societies, health plans, insurers, employers, and patient groups.[17]

References

  1. "Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality home page". United States Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.ahrq.gov. 
  2. Jump up to: 2.0 2.1 "Healthcare Research and Quality Act of 1999". United States Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.ahrq.gov/policymakers/hrqa99a.html. 
  3. Jump up to: 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Records of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research" (in en). 2016-08-15. https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/510.html. 
  4. Jump up to: 4.0 4.1 4.2 "History of Health Services Research ProjectInterview with Kerr White". 1998-03-12. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/nichsr/white.html. 
  5. 33 FR 9909
  6. "Records of the Public Health Service [PHS, 1912-1968"] (in en). 2016-08-15. Sections 90.7, 90.8. https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/090.html. 
  7. Avorn J. Powerful Medicines: The Benefits, Risks, and Costs of Prescription Drugs, pp. 277–288. Random House.
  8. 2015 Department of Health and Human Services Budget-in-Brief Archived 2014-07-23 at the Wayback Machine, pg 10, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Accessed 2015-07-14
  9. "National Quality Measures Clearinghouse (NQMC)". https://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/quality-patient-safety/talkingquality/resources/initiatives/nqmc.html. 
  10. "AHRQ: National Guideline Clearinghouse to Shut Down July 16". https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20180627guidelineclearinghouse.html. 
  11. "HHS eliminates 20 years of evidence-based medical guidelines". 12 July 2018. https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/hhs-eliminates-20-years-evidence-based-medical-guidelines. 
  12. "Federal clinical guidance database to shut down because of funding cuts". https://www.healthdatamanagement.com/news/federal-clinical-guidance-database-to-shut-down-because-of-funding-cuts. 
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  14. "AHRQ Shutters Guideline Site, But ECRI to Carry the Torch". 20 July 2018. https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/generalprofessionalissues/74153. 
  15. "Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority". 15 April 2016. https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/04/15/2016-08679/statement-of-organization-functions-and-delegations-of-authority. 
  16. "About Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs) | AHRQ Effective Health Care Program". https://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/who-is-involved-in-the-effective-health-care-program1/about-evidence-based-practice-centers-epcs/. 
  17. "Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPC) Program Overview". Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. http://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/evidence-based-reports/overview/index.html.  Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.

External links

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