CHA supports a single, meaningful reporting system of quality data that allows transparency and enhances accuracy. Consumer groups, health plans and payers continue to push for more public disclosure of hospital quality. CHA remains supportive of transparency if the measures are scientifically based, valid and accurate.

CHA recommends that all public reports shall be subject to the following:

• National and statewide performance measures currently approved through an ongoing consensus process led by health care purchasers, providers and consumers.
• Validated risk-adjustment processes, when appropriate, via a method that is publicly available, to account for expected differences in measurement results due to factors outside of the control of the measured entity.
• Publicly reported information must be easily understandable and useful to the consumer.
• Patient confidentiality is protected in accordance with state and federal law by the utilization of only aggregate data.
• The release of data incorporates a timely and effective report correction and comment process for providers prior to public release.
• Existing repositories or sources of data, appropriately risk-adjusted, should be used whenever possible.
• Data elements that are available and accessible without imposing undue burden on providers are used. Measurement is transparent to the administrative and clinical process.