This book offers a framework for studying modern quality approaches, including more expansive definitions of quality in health care, patient safety, and the use of data-driven methods for monitoring quality performance. The text begins with a student-friendly introduction to fundamental concepts affecting cost, quality, access, and equity in health care. The next chapters cover state and federal quality-control regulation, including professional licensure and discipline and Medicare and Medicaid provider certification for health care organizations. In this edition, materials on the professional-patient relationship -- including the duties of informed consent and confidentiality -- and materials on medical malpractice have been carefully edited and combined into a single chapter, followed by a discussion of the liability of health care organizations. The book explores the impact of nondiscrimination obligations as a matter of quality in health care, and the role of ERISA preemption on liability for quality failures. The book includes material on quality efforts within health care organizations, including their relationship with health care professionals through staff privileges, contracting, and employment.
