Which agency requires healthcare facilities to have continuous quality improvement programs?

The Joint Commission is responsible for promoting high standards in healthcare facilities through its accreditation process, which includes the requirement for continuous quality improvement (CQI) programs. This agency focuses on enhancing the safety and quality of care provided to patients by ensuring that healthcare organizations implement systematic approaches to improve their operations and services. CQI programs help facilities identify areas for improvement, set measurable goals, and monitor outcomes, which are essential for maintaining accreditation and ensuring the delivery of safe and effective healthcare.

While the other agencies mentioned have important roles in public health, research, and regulatory oversight, they do not specifically mandate CQI programs within healthcare facilities like The Joint Commission does. The National Institutes of Health primarily focuses on biomedical research, the Food and Drug Administration regulates food and drug safety, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is involved in public health initiatives and disease prevention, but none establish the requirement for CQI programs in healthcare settings.