Trusted Public Patient Safety & Quality Resources
These organizations aim to provide national guidance to help facilities improve care and reduce risk.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
https://www.ahrq.gov
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is the federal agency that oversees Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs). The AHRQ sets the rules that allow PSOs to review safety issues confidentially and without fear of legal exposure. It also offers tools and research to help healthcare systems learn from mistakes and improve care.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides national public health guidance. Correctional facilities rely on CDC guidance for managing infections, overdoses, chronic illness, and public health emergencies.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
https://www.cms.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) oversees Medicaid and Medicare and sets many healthcare quality rules. CMS guidance affects reentry care, Medicaid eligibility, and the coordination of care when people leave custody.
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
https://www.justice.gov
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) enforces civil rights laws and investigates correctional systems. The DOJ guidance helps facilities understand constitutional care requirements and avoid practices that can lead to lawsuits or federal oversight.
Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)
https://www.ihi.org
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is a nonprofit organization focused on improving patient safety and reliability in healthcare. Its tools and methods help healthcare teams fix system problems, build a strong safety culture, and prevent repeat errors.
PSO Confidentiality Notice
The links above are provided for general education and reference. Patient Safety Organization (PSO) confidentiality and legal protections apply only to safety work conducted within Sentinel PSO, in accordance with the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 (PSQIA).