Quality Priorities

March 4, 2008

MINUTES
Kidney Care Quality Alliance Steering Committee
March 4, 2008
Conference Call

Attendees

Summary
Kathy Lester explained that the purpose of the call was to develop a recommendation to the KCP Operations Committee about measure testing.  The KCQA Steering Committee reached consensus to test the KCQA time-limited, NQF-endorsed measures.  The Steering Committee also expressed that KCQA is committed to pursing discussions with PCPI Consortium and CMS to jointly test the measures if feasible, but wants to reserve the option to turn to Robyn Nishimi and an appropriate contractor if necessary to complete the work.

Discussion of Testing Time-Limited, NQF-Endorsed Measures 
Members reached consensus that the KCQA should move forward to test its measures.  The Committee discussions turned to the financial commitment required of the Operations Committee should jointly testing measures with the PCPI Consortium or CMS be agreeable and, alternatively, the obligation should KCQA need to test measures independently.

The Steering Committee members agreed that KCQA would pursue joint testing of the measures, but should be able to move independently.  In addition, the members recommended that participating KCP members should collaborate with the entities testing the measures to supply data as needed on a reasonable basis.

Ms. Lester explained that should the Operations Committee agree to move forward with the Steering Committee’s recommendations, Ms. Lester would introduce them to Robyn Nishimi and Lisa McGonigal via conference call.  Ms. Lester stated that she would transition the management of the Steering Committee functions to the team, but would participate in policy discussions.

Next Steps
The course of action for the Steering Committee is dependant upon the KCP Operations Committee’s decision on measure testing.