CMS launches outcomes-driven quality measurement initiative for states 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Sept. 25 announced the launch of a new initiative measuring quality in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. CMS has partnered with 37 states for the Investing in Health Outcomes initiative, where states can commit to a voluntary Medicaid Quality Pledge involving four principles: prioritizing health outcomes over process; streamlining quality measure inventories to reduce burden without sacrificing accountability; advancing digital quality measurement and using near-real-time data rather than claims and chart abstraction where feasible; and aligning financial accountability with outcomes-oriented measures. CMS said states will develop targets for health outcomes and find opportunities to include outcome measures into quality strategies and procurements.