HHS Announces Up to $500 million in Funding for Improving Patient Care - June 28, 2011

On June 22, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it would begin to reward contracts under the Partnership for Patients program. The Partnership for Patients, a public-private initiative, is designed with two three-year goals: reducing harm in hospital settings related to preventable injuries or hospital settings related to preventable injuries or hospital acquired conditions by 40 percent and reducing hospital readmissions by 20 percent. The Partnership will contract with “Hospital Engagement Contractors” – health systems, associations, state organizations and other stakeholders – to support hospitals in achieving these goals. The Partnership will also provide funding to other contractors to develop and disseminate information on practices that promote patient safety. In total, the Partnership will make available up to $500 million in funding. Following announcement of the Partnership, Secretary of HHS Kathleen Sebelius and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Director Donald Berwick praised NAPH member Denver Health at a meeting held in Denver as a potential model for the Partnership, citing its development of protocols to cut infections, mistakes, and redundant testing. Parties interesting in participating in the Partnership for Patients may make solicitations for proposals at the Federal Business Opportunities website.