Which organization is known for setting standards for quality in healthcare?

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is recognized for its significant role in setting standards for the quality of healthcare. This organization focuses on improving healthcare quality through the development of quality performance measures and accreditation programs for health plans and various healthcare entities. By assessing healthcare plans based on standardized measures, NCQA helps ensure that organizations meet certain quality benchmarks, ultimately promoting better health outcomes for patients.

While other organizations like DNVGL, JCAHO (now known as The Joint Commission), and CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) also play important roles in healthcare oversight and accreditation, they serve different purposes or markets. DNVGL is known for its accreditation and certification services in healthcare as well as other industries, but NCQA is specifically focused on quality measurement and improvement in managed care organizations. The Joint Commission primarily accredits hospitals and healthcare facilities, focusing more broadly on organizational performance and patient safety rather than on specific quality measures for healthcare plans. CMS primarily regulates and oversees Medicare and Medicaid programs, concentrating on policy and reimbursement rather than establishing quality standards alone. Thus, NCQA stands out for its specific focus on setting healthcare quality standards.