Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

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Logo of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is a part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that is tasked with improving the safety and quality of the American healthcare system. AHRQ develops the knowledge, tools, and data needed to improve the healthcare system and help Americans, healthcare professionals, and policymakers make informed health decisions.

History

The AHRQ was originally established as the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) in 1989. It was created to enhance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of healthcare services and access to such services. In 1999, the agency was reauthorized and renamed as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Mission and Goals

The mission of AHRQ is to produce evidence to make healthcare safer, higher quality, more accessible, equitable, and affordable. The agency works within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and with other partners to ensure that the evidence is understood and used.

The primary goals of AHRQ include:

• Improving the quality of healthcare
• Reducing costs
• Addressing patient safety and medical errors
• Broadening access to essential services

Key Functions

AHRQ performs several key functions to achieve its mission:

Research and Evidence

AHRQ funds research that provides evidence-based information on healthcare outcomes, quality, cost, use, and access. This research helps healthcare providers and policymakers make informed decisions.

Data and Analytics

The agency collects and analyzes data on healthcare quality and disparities. AHRQ's data resources include the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).

Tools and Training

AHRQ develops tools and training materials to help healthcare systems and professionals improve care delivery. These include clinical guidelines, quality indicators, and patient safety tools.

Leadership

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Gopal Khanna, former Director of AHRQ

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David Meyers, Acting Director of AHRQ

Robert Otto Valdez, current Director of AHRQ

The agency is led by a director who is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. The director oversees the agency's operations and strategic direction.

Notable Directors

• Gopal Khanna served as the director from 2017 to 2020.
• David Meyers served as the acting director following Khanna's departure.
• Robert Otto Valdez is the current director, appointed in 2022.

Location

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AHRQ headquarters at 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland

The headquarters of AHRQ is located at 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland. This location houses the agency's offices and staff who work on various research and quality improvement initiatives.

Related pages

• United States Department of Health and Human Services
• Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project
• Medical Expenditure Panel Survey
• Patient safety

Gallery

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  Logo of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

• AHRQ headquarters at 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland

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  Gopal Khanna, former Director of AHRQ

• David Meyers, Acting Director of AHRQ

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  Robert Otto Valdez, current Director of AHRQ

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

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  Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Logo

• 5600 Fishers Lane, AHRQ Headquarters

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  Gopal Khanna, Former AHRQ Director

• David Meyers, AHRQ Chief Medical Officer

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  Robert Otto Valdez, AHRQ Director