Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Consolidation of Medical Quality Assurance Governance Structure Only a Partial Solution

Report 01-50, October 2001

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Report Summary

State law divides responsibilities in the Medical Quality Assurance Program between the Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration. Bifurcation has led to some duplication in program oversight as well as diffused accountability, disputes and poor coordination between staff of the two agencies. The program also has several problems unrelated to divided governance, including performance concerns and inherent conflicts in the regulatory process. A 2002 OPPAGA report will further address program performance issues.

  • If the Legislature determines that the current problems are serious enough to warrant consolidating the program within a single agency, we believe that the optimal placement choice would be in the Department of Health.
  • If the Legislature determines that consolidation is not warranted, we recommend that the two agencies work together to improve program accountability, controls, and coordination.

Related Reports
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    Report 05-04 February 2005
  2. Progress Report: Medical Quality Assurance Improves Accountability System; Information Tracking Concerns Persist
    Report 04-71 October 2004
  3. While Medical Quality Assurance Improving, Licensure Needs Increased Accountability
    Report 03-06 January 2003
  4. Health Care Regulation Program, Agency for Health Care Administration
    Report 01-24 May 2001
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
social services, health, medical quality assurance, governance, enforcement, licensing, practitioners, complaints