RI Health Quality Performance Measurement and Reporting Program

In 1998, then-Senator Charles J. Fogarty, introduced legislation in the Rhode Island General Assembly to create a public reporting program to promote quality improvement and accountability in health care. Hospitals fully supported this legislation and, with its passage, the Rhode Island Health Quality Performance Measurement and Reporting Program was created. The program consists of two areas of measurement: patient satisfaction and clinical performance. Implemented gradually over the course of the next several years, the program provides reports on both areas of measurement for all types of licensed health care facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. Data is collected on a regular basis. The main objectives outlined in the legislation include:

• Developing benchmark information for hospitals in Rhode Island
• Promoting statewide quality improvement
• Compiling data to study impact of change
• Providing consumer information to help make good care choices

The program has been put into practice by a Steering Committee headed by David Gifford, M.D., director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. Many aspects of the program were developed, for final approval by the Steering Committee, by various workgroups, each with representation and cooperation from all interested parties, including:

• Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH)
• Hospital Association of Rhode Island (HARI)
• Hospitals
• Qualidigm (quality consultant to HEALTH)
• Consumers
• Physicians
• Minorities
• Academia/Research
• Insurers

For more information, or to read the reports, visit the Rhode Island Department of Health's website at http://www.health.ri.gov or contact Gina Rocha at (401) 946-7887 ext. 102 or ginar@hari.org.