42 U.S.C. § 299b — Health care outcome improvement research

(a) Evidence rating systems. Working with experts from government and private groups, the Agency must find and share methods for rating how strong the scientific evidence is behind health care practices, research recommendations, and technology assessments. The Agency must make these rating methods widely available, and any Agency publication that recommends a health practice must state how strong the evidence behind it is. (b) Health care improvement research centers and provider-based research networks (1) In general. To study the whole path from care to outcomes, connect research to real practice, and spread findings quickly to community clinics, the Agency must use research approaches that link research directly to clinical practice across the country. These include: (A) Health care improvement research centers that combine strong outcomes or quality-improvement research skills with ties to real care sites. (B) Provider-based research networks — including health plans, facilities, or care delivery sites, especially primary care — that can evaluate outcomes and promote quality improvement. (C) Other new methods or strategies that connect research with clinical practice. (2) Requirements. The Director may set the rules entities must meet to apply for grants under this subsection.