While working to extend affordable coverage to all Americans is an urgent national priority, the safety and quality of medical care must not be forgotten. Inconsistent quality subjects patients to needless risks and even higher costs. To consistently improve the quality and safety of care, we believe every patient and every physician deserves access to the information they need to make the best possible medical decisions. Our strategy includes: establishing a new national entity to evaluate and compare the safety, efficacy and cost effectiveness of new and existing health care treatments and technologies; assessing the long-term safety and effectiveness of newly approved drugs and devices; setting a national research agenda that addresses known gaps in medical evidence; emphasizing the adoption of best practices; developing innovative tools to help physicians and patients manage chronic conditions; and, creating a nationwide medical dispute resolution system that protects patients and eliminates the runaway costs and risks of defensive medicine and litigation.