Leapfrog Accepts Award Applications

The Leapfrog Group (Washington), a consortium representing major corporations and public agencies that buy health benefits, is accepting applications for two new healthcare quality awards.

The Leapfrog Governance for Quality Award will be given to a hospital or health system whose board has most successfully mobilized the organization to improve the quality of patient care. Criteria for this award include: whether executive review and compensation are tied to specific quality metrics; and, demonstrated improvements in quality and outcomes over the last three years.

The Leapfrog Patient-Centered Care Award will be awarded to the hospital or health system whose board has most successfully driven the creation of a true partnership between patients and their caregivers. Criteria for this award include: whether patient advocates are integrated into the organization at every level; and, whether the organization has a policy in place for disclosing medical errors to patients and/or their families.

Applications are due by Dec. 1 and can be accessed at http://www.blsmeetings.net/Leapfrogconference08/aa.cfm. Decisions will be announced on Jan. 7.