Commenting Tool for PSO Common Formats Version 1.0 Now Available

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has released Common Formats Version 1.0 for collecting and reporting patient safety information. The Agency has contracted with the National Quality Forum (NQF) to assist with gathering and analyzing feedback from providers, PSOs, and other interested parties that will guide future versions of the Common Formats.

The NQF has developed a tool for receiving comments on Common Formats Version 1.0, which is available through AHRQ’s PSO Web site at http://www.pso.ahrq.gov/linkdisclaim2.htm The comment period will extend through December 31, 2009. The NQF has also convened an expert panel to review the comments and provide analyses to AHRQ. This panel will review any comments received by the time of its October and November 2009 meetings and provide initial feedback. AHRQ plans to incorporate that feedback into Version 1.1 of the Common Formats, which is planned for release during the first quarter of 2010 and will include technical specifications for software developers. AHRQ encourages individuals to submit comments as soon as possible so that they may be considered at the NQF expert panel meetings in October and November.