CMS accepting proposals for Hospital Improvement Innovation Networks

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today issued a request for proposals for Hospital Improvement Innovation Networks, which will commit to new goals to improve patient safety in 10 areas and reduce readmissions. “The HIINs, which will be part of the Quality Improvement Organization initiative, will continue the good work started by the Hospital Engagement Networks under the Partnership for Patients initiative,” said CMS Acting Principal Deputy Administrator Patrick Conway, M.D. “These organizations will tap into the deep experience, capabilities and impact of QIOs, hospital associations, hospital systems and national hospital affinity organizations with extensive experience in hospital quality improvement.” Organizations that were HENs in the first and second rounds of the Partnership for Patients, QIOs and other eligible organizations can submit proposals through June 27 at 2 p.m. ET. The AHA and its Health Research & Educational Trust affiliate are leading one of the HENs. “We look forward to building on the impressive progress made through the HEN and Quality Improvement Network-Quality Improvement Organization work and will actively engage with CMS on the new Hospital Improvement Innovation Networks initiative,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack.