Division of Health Care Quality

Mission Statement

The Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) is mandated by state and federal statutes to license and certify approximately 6000 health facilities to assure the delivery of quality health care services. Facilities include hospitals, nursing homes, rest homes, chronic renal dialysis units, home health agencies, hospices, ambulatory surgical centers, clinical laboratories, blood banks, clinics, rehabilitative services and state schools. In addition, DHCQ investigates complaints against health care facilities and provides the mechanism by which criminal action may be taken by the Attorney General. DHCQ also investigates all complaints of patient abuse and neglect in long-term care facilities.

Health Care Quality Topics

• Health Care Facilities and Programs
• Circular Letters
• Nursing Home Consumer Info
• Regulations, Amendments and Public Hearings
• Forms and Applications
• Public Information Request

Programs

• Clinical Laboratory
• Complaints
• Facility Licensure and Certification
• Healthcare Associated Infections
• Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research
• Nurse Aide Registry
• Plan Review

Related Links

• Determination of Need
• Drug Control Program
• Emergency Medical Services
• Health Professions Licensure
• Minimum Data Set (MDS)
• Organ Transplant Services
• Outcomes Assessment Information Set (OASIS)
• Public Health Council
• Reporting to the State
• Report of the Expert Panel on Healthcare-Associated Infections

Announcements

• Controlled Substances in Schedule II-V Approved for LTCF Emergency Kits
• NHSN Administrative Set-up Online Training
• Resident Empowerment Program VIII
• Toothpaste Complaint Guidance for Health Care Facilities
• 2007 Nursing Home Satisfaction Survey
• Hospital Emergency Department Recommendations
• Access to Emergency Contraception
• MASS COMM Trial Protocol
• Medical Spa Services
• Amendments
• Hearings

Contact Information

Division of Health Care Quality
99 Chauncy Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02111
Tel. (617) 753-8000
Website: www.mass.gov/dph/dhcq

Paul Dreyer, Director