H-CAHPS (Hospital-Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems) – Provides a standardized survey instrument and data collection methodology for measuring patients' perspectives on hospital care.
Hospital Compare – A consumer-oriented Web site that provides information on how well hospitals provide recommended care to their patients. The site is a joint effort of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) and the Hospital Quality Alliance.
The Joint Commission – An independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies health care organizations and programs in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards.