The Health Care Quality Improvement Act

The Health Care Quality Improvement Act (HCQIA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1986 to enhance the quality of healthcare by encouraging hospitals and other healthcare institutions to share information about doctors' performance. It provides legal protection to those who report concerns about a physician’s competence or conduct, helping to prevent malpractice and protect patient safety. By fostering transparency and accountability, the Act aims to improve the overall quality of care while also minimizing the risk of lawsuits for those providing honest evaluations of healthcare professionals.