National Association for Healthcare Quality

The National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating the profession and advancing the discipline of healthcare quality and safety in the United States.

Overview

NAHQ is at the forefront of defining industry standards for healthcare quality through its expert-created Healthcare Quality Competency Framework, which outlines the full scope of work required for high-functioning quality programs. The organization provides educational programming, data-driven intelligence, and certification to help individuals and organizations achieve these standards.

Mission and Vision

NAHQ's mission focuses on setting industry benchmarks for healthcare quality professionals. It aims to reduce variability in healthcare delivery by standardizing quality competencies within the workforce. NAHQ believes that a well-equipped workforce is crucial for advancing patient care, safety, and overall health outcomes.

Key Initiatives

1. Healthcare Quality Competency Framework: This framework is the cornerstone of NAHQ's work, providing a structured approach to quality improvement across eight critical domains.
2. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ): NAHQ offers the only accredited certification in healthcare quality, which is recognized for its rigor and relevance in enhancing professional competencies.
3. Education and Training: The organization develops extensive educational programs and micro-credentials aligned with its competency framework to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals.
4. Collaborations: NAHQ collaborates with other leading healthcare organizations to advance quality and safety initiatives. This includes a strategic alliance with The Joint Commission to promote universal quality competencies and support workforce development.

Impact

NAHQ's efforts have a significant impact on healthcare quality by providing tools and resources that help organizations improve their quality infrastructure and professional development. Its research has highlighted the importance of standardizing healthcare quality competencies and the role of certified professionals in achieving better patient outcomes.

History

While specific historical details on NAHQ's founding are not readily available, the organization has emerged as a crucial player in the healthcare quality landscape by focusing on workforce development and competency standardization.

Strategic Alliances

NAHQ has formed alliances with prominent healthcare entities to further its mission. The alliance with The Joint Commission is particularly noteworthy, aiming to align quality competencies globally and enhance patient safety and care equity. This partnership underscores NAHQ's influence in shaping quality standards and driving advancements in healthcare delivery.

[1] https://www.ncqa.org/about-ncqa/ [2] https://www.jointcommission.org/resources/news-and-multimedia/news/2024/11/the-joint-commission-and-nahq-form-strategic-alliance/ [3] https://www.ahqa.org [4] https://nahq.org [5] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210901005641/en/National-Association-for-Healthcare-Quality-NAHQ-Launches-Groundbreaking-Research-on-Why-Competency-Standardization-Matters-for-Healthcare-Improvement