Statement From National Quality Forum 

Washington, DC — National Quality Forum President and CEO Christine K. Cassel, MD, told the NQF board of directors today that she is voluntarily resigning from the boards of Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Health Plan and Premier Inc.

Dr. Cassel decided that although serving on these boards provided her with direct knowledge of many current issues in health care, as well as practices of good governance, the issue of her board involvement had become a distraction.

“I will miss my service on the boards but I do not wish this issue to interfere with the important work facing NQF,” said Dr. Cassel. “The importance of performance measurement, quality improvement and multi-stakeholder engagement is critical to advancing the quality and safety of U.S. health care, and I look forward to continuing to serve NQF as we move forward.”

NQF’s board was strongly enthusiastic about hiring Dr. Cassel because of her unique and transformative qualities as a leader. The board thoroughly discussed her outside board affiliations and how they would be managed before hiring her. The board remained supportive of Dr. Cassel continuing to serve on these boards but she has decided otherwise.

“Chris Cassel has shown tremendous leadership in voluntarily stepping down from these important board seats. Her generous act demonstrates her strong and continued commitment to NQF and its mission,” said Helen Darling, chair of the NQF board.
 

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