NQF is breaking fresh ground with the start of a new, two-year project to create a framework for quality measurement that focuses on people who are supported by home- and community-based services (HCBS). HCBS are vital to promoting independence and wellness for people with long-term care needs. The United States spends $130 billion on long-term services annually, a figure that is expected to increase dramatically as the number of Americans over age 65 doubles between now and 2060. Nominations for committee members are due December 16. More information about the Measuring HCBS Quality project is available online.

NQF is convening a multistakeholder committee to provide recommendations to the Department of Health and Human Services regarding performance measurement issues for rural and low-volume providers, including critical access hospitals, rural health clinics, community health centers, and the clinicians who serve in these types of facilities. An estimated 10 percent to 28 percent of Americans live in rural areas, millions of whom receive care from rural and low-volume providers. More information about the Rural Health project is available online.

NQF will explore the intersection of HIT and patient safety in order to create a comprehensive framework for assessment of HIT safety measurement efforts. The report for this project will include a measure gap analysis and recommendations for gap-filling, as well as best practices and challenges in measurement of HIT-related safety issues. More information about the Health IT and Patient Safety project is available online.

NQF will also review performance measures focused on renal conditions, by soliciting new measures on any renal condition or treatment at various settings of care and reviewing endorsed measures for scheduled maintenance. Nominations for the committee are due by November 14. More information about the Renal Measures project is available online.