Which statement best describes the mission of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)?

• A. To regulate health care pricing
• B. To improve the quality of care through outcomes research and clinical guidelines
• C. To fund pharmaceutical research exclusively
• D. To enforce HIPAA privacy standards

Answer: (D)

AHRQ’s mission centers on improving the quality of care by generating and applying evidence about what works in health care—outcomes research and the development of clinical guidelines guide safer, more effective practices. The agency funds and conducts studies on patient safety, effectiveness of care, and health care delivery, then translates those findings into guidelines, performance measures, and practical tools for clinicians and health systems to use. This work aims to reduce harm, improve outcomes, and make care more reliable across settings. HIPAA privacy enforcement isn’t part of AHRQ’s role; that responsibility lies with OCR within HHS. AHRQ also does not regulate pricing or fund pharmaceutical research exclusively.