URAC, a leading health care accreditation and education organization, today announced the appointment of Marybeth Farquhar, PhD, as Vice President, Research and Measurement. In this role, Dr. Farquhar will be responsible for the development and implementation of URAC’s performance measures. Further, she will shape URAC’s measurement strategy, develop validation and research initiatives and represent URAC externally on research and measurement matters.
“We are excited to have Marybeth join us as part of the URAC team. Over the last several years, URAC has introduced performance measure reporting requirements and specific measures in its Comprehensive Wellness, Case Management and Pharmacy Quality Management® accreditation programs,” said Alan P. Spielman, president and CEO of URAC. “These measures are intended to promote internal quality improvement efforts and, when available for public reporting, more informed decision-making by purchasers and health plans. With Marybeth’s in-depth experience and knowledge in leading the development of consensus-based measures, we will be able to enhance and expand these efforts to continue to meet the changing needs of the health care market.”
Dr. Farquhar brings more than 20 years of experience in measurement development and quality management. Prior to joining URAC, Dr. Farquhar served as Vice President for Performance Measures at the National Quality Forum (NQF) where she led the strategic oversight and execution of NQF consensus development projects, including the Consensus-based Entities Regarding Healthcare Performance Measurement DHHS Contract in response to the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (Section 183) of 2008.
“I am eager to be a part of URAC’s ongoing mission to enhance the quality of the health care system through consumer protection and empowerment,” said Dr. Farquhar. “Having worked on quality measurement programs across the regulatory and provider environments, I understand the importance of evidence-based measurement and the need to report information for quality improvement and educate consumers. As the health care market adapts to reform efforts, measurement initiatives will be one of the leading forces in ensuring that transparency and accountability are incorporated into the health care system.”
In addition to senior roles in quality and measurement with the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Dr. Farquhar launched her own healthcare consulting firm specializing in the management of the accreditation processes for mammography and breast ultrasound, and led accreditation programs at the American College of Radiology. She also has an extensive clinical background in healthcare as a Registered Nurse.
Dr. Farquhar has a broad background delivering industry presentations and has published numerous articles and papers. She completed her undergraduate education at Gwynedd-Mercy College, received her MSN from George Mason University, and completed her PhD in Public Administration, Public Policy, and Public Affairs at the Center for Public Administration and Policy at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
About URAC
URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, is well-known as a leader in promoting health care quality through its accreditation, education and measurement programs. URAC offers a wide range of quality benchmarking programs and services that keep pace with the rapid changes in the health care system, and provide a symbol of excellence for organizations to validate their commitment to quality and accountability. Through its broad-based governance structure and an inclusive standards development process, URAC ensures that all stakeholders are represented in establishing meaningful quality measures for the entire health care industry. For more information, visit https://www.urac.org/.
Source: PRWeb