WASHINGTON — A small federal agency that studies how to improve the health care system has been rendered functionally “incapacitated” after much of its staff was laid off or retired, according to three people, including two former employees, who spoke with STAT.
The loss of most of the workers at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has left it unable to distribute grants or support a panel of outside experts that advises on preventive medical services, the people said.
“None of the other science agencies in HHS — NIH, FDA, nor CDC — focus on actually improving the quality of care that Americans can receive,” Robert Otto Valdez, who directed the agency through January, told STAT via email. “That has been AHRQ’s scientific focus.”
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.
Already have an account? Log in
