Overview
Healthcare is one of the most closely regulated industries in the United States and worldwide. Over the years, the lines between private and public health systems have become less clear, with both working together to reduce health problems. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) in healthcare are agreements between public sector agencies and private entities. PPPs have created important programs like Vaccines for Children (VFC), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Healthy People initiatives (1990–2030). Governmental agencies have also been involved in improvements in medical education, research, technology, and payment models for healthcare.
For this assessment, you will explore key laws, regulatory agencies, and quality programs that have pushed the United States toward a strong focus on healthcare quality. As the focus on quality keeps growing, healthcare professionals can expect more new ideas aimed at improving health for both individuals and communities, along with new regulations to keep high standards in place.