James Bell Associates Wins Major Evaluation of Patient Safety and Medical Liability Reform Demonstration

Arlington, VA – James Bell Associates, Inc. (JBA), a leading and respected evaluation and research services firm based in the Washington D.C. area, has won a major contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to evaluate the Patient Safety and Medical Liability Reform Demonstration Program (PSMLRD). As mandated by President Obama (2009), the Demonstration grants were awarded to states and healthcare systems to develop, implement and evaluate models of medical liability reform that will: reduce preventable medical errors and avoidable injuries by focusing on patient safety; foster transparency and doctor/patient communication; ensure fair and timely compensation; and reduce malpractice liability. JBA will conduct a large-scale program evaluation to measure and document the results of multiple PSMLRD projects in order to identify innovative, well-substantiated models for wider adoption throughout the nation.

Led by project director Cheryl McDonnell, Ph.D. and joined by partner The RAND Corporation, JBA will carry out a longitudinal evaluation of the PSMLRD grants, monitor progress in accomplishing the program's intent and objectives, and assess the overall contribution of the PSMLRD program to national healthcare reform. The 5-year study will determine how effectively PSMLRD projects eliminate unintended patient risks and hazards, communicate with patients if adverse events occur, and ultimately, bring down malpractice costs.

JBA focuses on innovations in health and human services programs and policies, while serving clients that include federal, state and local government agencies, as well as universities, foundations and businesses. Over three decades, the Arlington, Virginia firm has earned a national reputation for excellence in independent program evaluation and the use of customized applied research methodologies.

JBA looks forward to their work with HHS and AHRQ on this groundbreaking national healthcare reform initiative. Additional information is available at www.jbassoc.com.